Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, May 23, 2005 Volume 41—Number 20 Pages 807–850

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Addresses and Remarks Communications to Congress See also Appointments and Nominations; Burma, message on continuation of national Meetings With Foreign Leaders emergency—819 International Republican Institute dinner— Convention on the Conservation and 825 Management of the Highly Migratory Fish National Catholic Prayer Breakfast—843 Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, With Annexes, message National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service— transmitting—816 808 Convention for the Strengthening of the Radio address—807 Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, Republican National Committee dinner—819 message transmitting—815 Virginia, Virginia BioDiesel refinery in West Iraq, message on continuation of national Point—809 emergency—842 Wisconsin, discussion on strengthening Social ‘‘2005 Comprehensive Report on U.S. Trade Security in Milwaukee—830 and Investment Policy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa and Implementation of the African Appointments and Nominations Growth and Opportunity Act,’’ message Office of the Director of National Intelligence transmitting—843 Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Interviews With the News Media remarks—824 Exchange with reporters in the Oval Office— Director of National Intelligence, 844 remarks—824 White House Office Letters and Messages U.S. Trade Representative, remarks—817 Cuban Independence Day, message—847

(Continued on the inside of the back cover.)

WEEKLY COMPILATION OF Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be furnished by mail to domestic subscribers for $80.00 per year Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Reg- ($137.00 for mailing first class) and to foreign subscribers for ister, National Archives and Records Administration, Washing- $93.75 per year, payable to the Superintendent of Documents, ton, DC 20408, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The ments contains statements, messages, and other Presidential charge for a single copy is $3.00 ($3.75 for foreign mailing). materials released by the White House during the preceding The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is also week. available on the Internet on the GPO Access service at http:// The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- www.gpo.gov/nara/nara003.html. lished pursuant to the authority contained in the Federal Reg- ister Act (49 Stat. 500, as amended; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 15), under There are no restrictions on the republication of material regulations prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the appearing in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- Federal Register, approved by the President (37 FR 23607; ments. 1 CFR Part 10).

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Meetings With Foreign Leaders Proclamations Denmark, Prime Minister Rasmussen—844 National Maritime Day—840 Greece, Prime Minister Karamanlis—846 National Safe Boating Week—840 Notices Supplementary Materials Continuation of the National Emergency Protecting the Development Fund for Iraq Acts approved by the President—850 and Certain Other Property in Which Iraq Checklist of White House press releases—850 Has an Interest—841 Digest of other White House Continuation of the National Emergency With announcements—847 Respect to Burma—818 Nominations submitted to the Senate—849

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The President’s Radio Address Now the Senate must act. Congress needs May 14, 2005 to get a good energy bill to my desk by the August recess so I can sign it into law. Good morning. I’m pleased to report that On Tuesday, I will welcome our newest we see new signs that the progrowth policies United States Trade Representative, former we have pursued during the past 4 years are Congressman Rob Portman. Ambassador having a positive effect on our economy. We Portman understands that expanding trade is added 274,000 new jobs in April, and we vital for American workers and consumers. have added nearly 31⁄2 million jobs over the He will make sure we vigorously enforce the past 2 years. Unemployment is down to 5.2 trade laws on the books while also working percent, below the average rate of the 1970s, to continue opening foreign markets to 1980s, and 1990s. We have seen steady job American crops and products. The Central gains during each of the past 23 months, and America Free Trade Agreement would help today, more Americans are working than at us achieve these goals. This agreement would any time in our history. help the new democracies in our hemisphere There are other good reasons for opti- deliver better jobs and higher labor standards mism. The economy grew at a solid rate of to their workers, and it would create a more 3.6 percent over the past four quarters, and level playing field for American goods and economists expect strong growth for the rest services. Congress needs to pass this impor- of 2005. Manufacturing activity is enjoying tant legislation. its longest period of growth in 16 years. Infla- Finally, on Thursday, I will travel to Mil- tion and mortgage rates remain low, and we waukee, Wisconsin, to discuss with young have more homeowners in America than ever people the importance of acting now to before. strengthen Social Security. The Social Secu- These positive signs are a tribute to the rity safety net has a hole in it for younger effort and enterprise of America’s workers workers. For the sake of our children and and entrepreneurs, but we have more to do. grandchildren, we need to make Social Secu- So next week, I will focus on three priorities rity permanently solvent. And we need to that will strengthen the long-term economic make the system a better deal for younger workers by allowing them to put some of security of our Nation. their payroll taxes, if they so choose, into a On Monday, I will travel to West Point, voluntary personal retirement account. Be- Virginia, to highlight the benefits of bio- cause this money will be saved and invested, diesel, an alternative fuel that will help our workers will have the opportunity to earn a country achieve greater energy independ- higher rate of return on their money than ence. We’ll also discuss our need for a com- anything the current Social Security system prehensive national energy strategy that re- can now give them. duces our dependence on foreign oil. This The American economy is the envy of the strategy will encourage more efficient tech- world. For the sake of our Nation’s hard- nologies, make the most of our existing re- working families, we must work together to sources, help global energy consumers like achieve long-term economic security so that China and India reduce their own use of hy- we can continue to spread prosperity and drocarbons, encourage conservation, and de- hope throughout America and the world. velop promising new sources of energy such Thank you for listening. as hydrogen, ethanol, and biodiesel. I applaud the House for passing an energy NOTE: The address was recorded at 7:50 a.m. on bill that is largely consistent with these goals. May 13 in the Cabinet Room at the White House 807

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for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on May 14. The tran- the oath to serve and protect their fellow citi- script was made available by the Office of the zens, they answer a vital calling and accept Press Secretary on May 13 but was embargoed a profound responsibility. Since America’s for release until the broadcast. The Office of the early days, the badge has represented a Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this address. pledge to protect the innocent, and Ameri- cans honor all who wear that badge. The tradition of sacrifice and service runs Remarks at the National Peace strong amongst law enforcement. The fallen Officers’ Memorial Service officers we honor this afternoon honored that May 15, 2005 tradition of service and sacrifice, and the flag of the United States of America flies at half- Thank you all. Thank you for the warm staff today in memory of their courage. welcome. It is an honor and a privilege to I thank all the family members who are join you to pay our respects to our Nation’s with us today. Our Nation is grateful to you. fallen law enforcement officers. Every year We pray that you find strength to bear the at the National Law Enforcement Officers loss. And you can know that our Nation will Memorial, we add names of those who have always remember and honor the ones you been lost in the line of duty. All of these loved. men and women served the cause of justice. I also thank all the law enforcement offi- Our Nation stands in admiration and grati- cers who have come here today to pay tribute tude for their service, and we ask God’s bless- to fallen comrades. The bonds between offi- ings for their families and friends they have cers are strong, and you look out for each left behind. other on sunny mornings and in the shadows I want to thank Chuck Canterbury for his of danger. Your loyalty to one another and leadership of the National Fraternal Order your service to America do great honor to of Police. He is a good friend, and I value our system of justice. Thank you for your his friendship. I want to thank Aliza Clark service. for her leadership as well, and Jim Pasco, who is the executive director of the National We’re a nation built on the rule of law, FOP. I want to thank Chaplain Ford for his and the men and women who enforce those beautiful blessings. laws uphold America’s role as a beacon for I want to thank members of my Cabinet fairness and peace. And today we honor 415 who are here: Attorney General Al Gonzales; new names added to the memorial wall. Secretary Elaine Chao; Secretary Mike Among them are Detroit police officers Chertoff. I thank the FBI Director, Bob Matthew Bowens and Jennifer Fettig. The Mueller, and the Director of ATF, Carl officers were making a routine traffic stop Truscott, for joining us. when the suspect opened fire. Though Offi- I appreciate the Members of Congress cer Bowens had already been shot several who are here. I want to thank Majority Lead- times, himself, his first concern was for his er Bill Frist, Senator Pat Leahy. Congress- injured partner. Both officers gave their lives man Dave Reichert from Washington is here in protecting each other and their fellow citi- with us. He served as a law enforcement offi- zens, and this Nation of ours will always cer for over 30 years and received the 2004 honor them. National Sheriff’s Association Sheriff of the Danger to law enforcement can come from Year Award. Congressman, I appreciate you the outskirts of a community, as it did to coming, along with other Members of the Bradford County, Pennsylvania, Deputy Congress. Chris Burgert. He and his partner, Deputy I especially want to thank Darryl Worley Mike VanKuren, were shot last March while for his beautiful performance of ‘‘I Miss My trying to serve a bench warrant on a known Friend.’’ criminal. Chris had been leading a drug in- There are more than 800,000 men and vestigation that often brought him face to women who serve as law enforcement in this face with danger on rural backroads. And his country. When these brave Americans take bravery had brought a string of successes

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against a dangerous and volatile set of crimi- I thought it was time for another George W. nals. His acts took unusual courage, and our to stop by. Nation will be always grateful for his sac- I appreciate the folks here at Virginia Bio- rifice. Diesel for showing me around. You know, Danger can come even in what one thinks I love the innovative spirit of our entre- is routine investigation. Last May, Arizona preneurs in this country. And the folks here police officer Don Schultz was diving for evi- have got incredible vision, and they’re willing dence in a murder case when he lost his life. to take risk to innovate. What I think is inter- Officer Schultz had been on the force for esting is they have combined farming and 19 years and was one of the department’s modern science. And by doing so, you’re master divers. He died in an act of devotion using one of the world’s oldest industries to to duty that was common to him and will power some of the world’s newest tech- always remain extraordinary to us. These are nologies. After all, they’re taking soybeans just the examples of the brave we honor and converting it to fuel and putting it into today. brandnew Caterpillar engines. Every generation of Americans has pro- Biodiesel is one of our Nation’s most duced men and women willing to stand promising alternative fuel sources. And by watch for the rest of us. Every generation developing biodiesel, you’re making this has lived under the protection of law enforce- country less dependent on foreign sources of ment. We must never take for granted the oil. As my friend George Allen said, that’s police officers of America. the reason I have come. I want to talk about For each friend or family member here the need for this country to have a com- today, the engraving on the wall will always prehensive energy strategy. I appreciate glow brightly around one name. We cannot George’s leadership, and I appreciate his soothe your grief or repay your loved one’s friendship. You’ve got a fine United States sacrifice, but their names are inscribed per- Senator in Senator George Allen. manently on this memorial. We acknowledge And today I took a helicopter down from the lasting debt we owe them and offer the the White House with our Secretary of Agri- solemn thanks of a grateful nation. culture, Mike Johanns. Mike, thank you for May God bless you all, and may God con- coming. Mike is from the State of Nebraska. tinue to bless the United States of America. For those of you involved with agriculture, he knows something about it, you’ll be happy to hear. He was raised on a dairy farm. He’s NOTE: The President spoke at 1:14 p.m. on the West Grounds at the U.S. Capitol. In his remarks, a good man, and I really appreciate he and he referred to Chuck Canterbury, national presi- his lovely wife. He was the Governor of Ne- dent, James O. Pasco, Jr., executive director, and braska when I called him. And he quit, and Kenneth W. Ford, national chaplain, National he came to Washington. And I want to thank Fraternal Order of Police; Aliza Clark, president, you for serving our country, Michael. Thank National Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary; and you very much. entertainer Darryl Worley. I want to thank the members of the con- gressional delegation who have joined us, Congressman Bobby Scott, Congresswoman Remarks at the Virginia BioDiesel Jo Ann Davis, Congressman Eric Cantor, Refinery in West Point, Virginia Congressman Randy Forbes, Congress- May 16, 2005 woman Thelma Drake—she brought her husband, Ted, with her. Thank you all for Thank you all. Please be seated. Thanks serving. I enjoy working with you all. for coming. Thanks for the warm welcome, I want to thank a member of the state- and thank you for giving me a chance to get house who is here; State Senator Walter out of Washington. [Laughter] I’m proud to Stosch is with us today. Walter, thank you be the first sitting President to visit this part for coming. of Virginia. They tell me George Washington The mayor is here from the city of West came—[laughter]—before he was President. Point, Andy Conklin. I want to thank you,

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Mr. Mayor, for joining us. I like to tell may- tion. We’ll continue to cut needless regula- ors—they never ask for my advice; I give it tions, and I’m going to continue to work with anyway when I see them—and that is: Fill Congress to stop the spread of junk lawsuits. the potholes. [Laughter] We’re going to be wise with your money. I want to thank the administrator, John We’ve got a simple motto in my office when Budesky, for joining us. I want to thank all it comes to spending your money. One, we the State and local officials. I want to thank understand it’s your money and not the Gov- you all for coming as well. It’s such a beau- ernment’s money. And secondly, we’re going tiful day to be outside, isn’t it? to work to ensure that every taxpayer dollar I want to thank Douglas Faulkner, who is is spent wisely or not at all. We’ll continue the managing member of the Virginia Bio- to open up foreign markets to America’s Diesel Refinery. Thank you, Douglas, for— crops and products and ensure a level playing there he is right there. Douglas has brought field for American farmers and producers a lot of his family here. He brought his father, and workers. Norman, and brother, Norman, the Norman And to guarantee Americans have a secure boys. [Laughter] and dignified retirement—if you’re getting Thank Allen Schaeffer as well. And I want your check, you don’t have anything to worry to thank the folks who lent the equipment about on this issue. You need to worry about for this event. your children and your grandchildren when One of the things that is really important it comes to Social Security. To make sure for Government is to make sure that the envi- we have a retirement system that works for ronment is such that the entrepreneurial a future generation of Americans, Congress spirit remains strong. Ever since I’ve been must work with me to strengthen and save elected, I tell people that the role of Govern- Social Security for a generation to come. ment is not to try to create wealth but an And to keep creating jobs and to keep this environment in which people are willing to economy growing, it is important for our take risks. That’s the role of Government. country to understand we need an affordable, And across our Nation, small businesses reliable supply of energy. And that starts with like Virginia BioDiesel are taking risks and pursuing policies to make prices reasonable are developing innovative products. As a mat- at the pump. Today’s gasoline prices and die- ter of fact, small businesses create most of sel prices are making it harder for our fami- the new jobs in America. I don’t know if you lies to meet their budgets. These prices are know that or not, but 70 percent of new jobs making it more expensive for farmers to in this country are created by small busi- produce their crop, more difficult for busi- nesses and entrepreneurs. And I’m pleased nesses to create jobs. to report that the small-business sector of Americans are concerned about high America is strong today. As a matter of fact, prices at the pump, and they’re really con- over the last 2 years we have added 3.5 mil- cerned as they start making their travel plans, lion new jobs. More Americans are working and I understand that. I wish I could just today than ever in our Nation’s history. wave a magic wand and lower the price at The national unemployment rate is down the pump; I’d do that. That’s not how it to 5.2 percent. That’s below the average rate works. You see, the high prices we face today of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. And the un- have been decades in the making. Four years employment rate in the great Common- ago, I laid out a comprehensive energy strat- wealth of Virginia is 3.3 percent. And over egy to address our energy challenges. Yet the next years, we’ve got to continue to build Congress hasn’t passed energy legislation. on this progress. To make sure our families For the sake of the American consumers, it are strong and businesses are strong and our is time to confront our problems now and farmers can stay in business, we have got to not pass them on to future Congresses and keep taxes low, and we will. As a matter of future generations. fact, for the sake of our family farmers and The increase in the price of crude oil is for the sake of our entrepreneurs, we’ll make largely responsible for the higher gas prices sure the death tax stays on the path to extinc- and diesel prices that you’re paying at the

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pump. For many years, most of the crude Americans have been waiting long enough oil refined into gasoline in America came for a strategy. It is time to deliver an effec- from home, came from domestic oilfields. In tive, commonsense energy strategy for the 1985, 75 percent of the crude oil used in 21st century. And that’s what I want to talk U.S. refineries came from American sources; to you about today. only about 25 percent came from abroad. The first step toward making America less Over the past few decades, we’ve seen a dra- dependent on foreign oil is to improve fuel matic change in our energy equation. Amer- conservation and efficiency. My administra- ican gasoline consumption has increased by tion is leading research into new technologies about a third, while our crude production has that reduce gas consumption while maintain- dropped and oil imports have risen dramati- ing performance, such as lightweight auto cally. parts and more efficient batteries. The result today—the result is that today We’re raising fuel economy standards for only 35 percent—only 35 percent—of the sport utility vehicles and vans and pickup crude oil used in U.S. refineries comes from trucks, starting with model year 2005. When here at home; 65 percent comes from foreign these reasonable increases in mileage stand- countries like Saudi Arabia and Mexico and ards take full effect, they will save American Canada and Venezuela. You see, we’re grow- drivers about 340,000 barrels of gasoline a ing more dependent on foreign oil. Because day. That’s more gas than you consume every we haven’t had an energy strategy, we’re be- day in the entire State of Virginia. coming more dependent on countries outside To improve fuel efficiency, we’re also tak- our borders to provide us with the energy ing advantage of more efficient engine tech- nologies. Hybrid vehicles are powered by a needed to refine gasoline. To compound the combination of internal combustion engine problem, countries with rapidly growing and an electric motor. Hybrid cars and trucks economies, like India and China, are com- can travel twice as far on a gallon of fuel peting for more of the world oil supply. And as gasoline-only vehicles, and they produce that drives up the price of oil, and that makes lower emissions. To help more consumers prices at the pump even higher for American conserve gas and protect the environment, families and businesses and farmers. my budget next year proposes that every Our dependence on foreign oil is like a American who purchases a hybrid vehicle re- foreign tax on the American Dream, and that ceive a tax credit of up to $4,000. tax is growing every year. My administration Diesel engine technology has also pro- is doing all we can to help ease the problem gressed dramatically in the past few decades. in the short run. We’re encouraging oil-pro- Many Americans remember the diesel cars ducing countries to maximize their produc- of the 1970s. They made a lot of noise, and tion so that more crude oil is on the market, they spewed a lot of black smoke. Advances which will help take the pressure off price. in technology and new rules issued by my We’ll make sure that consumers here at administration have allowed us to leave those home are treated fairly; there’s not going to days of diesel behind. Our clean diesel rules be any price-gouging here in America. But will reduce air pollution from diesel engines to solve the problem in the long run, we must by about 90 percent and reduce the sulfur address the root causes of high gasoline content of diesel fuel by more than 95 per- prices. We need to take four steps toward cent. one vital goal, and that is to make America Today I saw a diesel-powered truck that less dependent on foreign sources of oil. can get up to 30 percent better fuel economy We must be better conservers. We must than gasoline-powered vehicles without the produce and refine more crude oil here in harmful emissions of past diesels. I mean, America. We must help countries like India the fellow got in the truck and cranked it and China to reduce their demand for crude up, and another man got on the ladder and oil. And we’ve got to develop new fuels like he put the white handkerchief by the emis- biodiesel and ethanol as alternatives to diesel sions port, and the white handkerchief re- and gasoline. mained white. In other words, technology is

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changing the world. Our engines are becom- lons of gas you get in your pump is refined ing cleaner. in a foreign country. To help secure our gaso- Consumers around the world are taking line supply and lower prices at the pump, advantage of clean diesel technology. About we need to encourage existing refineries like half of newly registered passenger cars in Yorktown to expand their capacity. So the Western Europe are now equipped with die- Environmental Protection Agency is simpli- sel engines. Yet in America, fewer than 1 per- fying rules and regulations for refinery ex- cent of the cars on the road use diesel. Ac- pansion. And they will do so and maintain cording to the Department of Energy, if die- strict environmental safeguards at the same sel vehicles made up 20 percent of our fleet time. in 15 years, we would save 350,000 barrels We also need to build new refineries. So of oil a day. That’s about a quarter of what I’ve directed Federal agencies to work with we import every day from Venezuela. States to encourage the construction of new To help more Americans benefit from a refineries on closed military facilities and to new generation of diesel technology, I have simplify the permitting process for these new proposed making owners of clean diesel vehi- refineries. By promoting reasonable regula- cles eligible for the same tax credit as owners tions, we can refine more gasoline for more of hybrid vehicles. America leads the world American consumers. And that means we’re in technology. We need to use that tech- less dependent on foreign sources of energy. nology to lead the world in fuel efficiency. The third step toward making America less The second step toward making America dependent on foreign oil is to ensure that less dependent on foreign oil is to produce other nations use technology to reduce their and refine more crude oil here at home in own demand for crude oil. It’s in our inter- environmentally sensitive ways. By far the est—it’s in our economic interest and our na- most promising site for oil in America is the tional interest to help countries like India and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. I China become more efficient users of oil, be- want you all to hear the facts about what cause that would help take the pressure off we’re talking about. Technology now makes global oil supply, take the pressure off prices it possible to reach the oil reserves in ANWR here at home. At the G–8 meeting in July, by drilling on just 2,000 acres of the 19 mil- I’m going to ask other world leaders to join lion acres. Technology has advanced to the America in helping developing countries find point where you can take a small portion— practical ways to use clean energy tech- 2,000 acres—of this vast track of land and nology, to be more efficient about how they explore for oil in an environmentally sensitive use energy. You see, when the global demand way. for oil is lower, Americans will be better off As a matter of fact, developing this tiny at the gas pump. area could yield up to about a million barrels The final step toward making America less of oil a day. And thanks to technology, we dependent on foreign oil is to develop new can reach that oil with almost no impact on alternatives to gasoline and diesel. Here at land or wildlife. To make this country less Virginia BioDiesel, you are using Virginia dependent on foreign oil, Congress needs to soybean oil to produce a clean-burning fuel. authorize pro-growth, pro-jobs, pro-environ- Other biodiesel refiners are making fuel from ment exploration of ANWR. waste products like recycled cooking grease. As we produce more of our own oil, we Biodiesel can be used in any vehicle that runs need to improve our ability to refine it into on regular diesel and delivers critical envi- gasoline. There has not been a single new ronmental and economic benefits. refinery built in America since 1976. Here Biodiesel burns more completely and pro- in Virginia, you have only one oil refinery, duces less air pollution than gasoline or reg- the Yorktown refinery. And that was built in ular diesel. Biodiesel also reduces engine the 1950s. To meet our growing demand for wear and produces almost no sulfur emis- gasoline, America now imports more than a sions, which makes it a good choice for cities million barrels of fully refined gasoline every and States working to meet strict air quality day. That means about one of every nine gal- standards. And every time we use home-

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grown biodiesel, we support American farm- ministration supports a flexible, cost-effective ers, not foreign oil producers. renewable fuel standard. Its proposal would More Americans are realizing the benefits require fuel producers to include a certain of biodiesel every year. In 1999, biodiesel percentage of ethanol and biodiesel in their producers sold about 500,000 gallons of fuel fuel. And to expand the potential of ethanol for the year. Last year, biodiesel sales totaled and biodiesel even more, I proposed $84 mil- 30 million gallons. That’s a 60-fold increase lion in my 2006 budget for ongoing research. in 5 years. More than 500 operators of major I think it makes sense. I think it’s a good vehicle fleets now use biodiesel, including use of taxpayers’ money to continue to stay the Department of Defense and the National on the leading edge of change. And in this Park Service and James Madison University. case, by staying on the leading edge of The County of Arlington, Virginia, has con- change we become less dependent on foreign verted its fleet of school buses to biodiesel, sources of oil. and Harrisonburg is using biodiesel in its city My administration is also supporting an- transit buses. other of America’s most promising alter- In the past 3 years, more than 300 public native fuels, hydrogen. When hydrogen is fueling stations have started offering bio- used in a fuel cell, it can power a car that diesel. You’re beginning to see a new indus- requires no gas and emits pure water instead try evolve. And as more Americans choose of exhaust fumes. We’ve already dedicated biodiesel over petroleum fuel, they can be $1.2 billion to hydrogen fuel cell research. proud in knowing they’re helping to make I’ve asked Congress for an additional 500 this country less dependent on foreign oil. million over 5 years to get hydrogen cars into Another important alternative fuel is eth- the dealership lot. With a bold investment anol. Ethanol comes from corn, and it can now, we can replace a hydrocarbon economy be mixed with gasoline to produce a clean, with a hydrogen economy and make possible efficient fuel. In low concentrations, ethanol for today’s children to take their driver’s test can be used in any vehicle. And with minor in a completely pollution-free car. modifications, vehicles can run on fuel blend As we make America less dependent on that includes 85 percent ethanol and only 15 foreign oil, we’re pursuing a comprehensive percent gasoline. strategy to address other energy challenges Like biodiesel, ethanol helps communities facing our Nation. Along with high gas prices, to meet clean air standards, farmers to find many families and small businesses are con- new markets for their products, and America fronting rising electricity bills. Summer air- to replace foreign crude oil with a renewable conditioning costs are going to make it even source grown right here in the Nation’s more expensive for our homes and office heartland. Together, ethanol and biodiesel buildings. To help consumers save on their present a tremendous opportunity to diver- power bills, we’ll continue expanding efforts sify our supply of fuel for cars and buses and to conserve electricity. We’re funding re- trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. search into energy-efficient technologies for A recent study by Oak Ridge National our homes, such as highly efficient windows Laboratory projected that biofuels, such as and appliances. ethanol and biodiesel, could provide about To ensure the electricity is delivered effi- a fifth of America’s transportation fuel within ciently, Congress must make reliability stand- 25 years. And that would be good for our ards for electric utilities mandatory, not op- kids and our grandkids. So there are some tional. We’ve got modern interstate grids for things we can do to bring that prospect closer our phone lines and highways. It is time to to reality. We have extended Federal tax put practical law in place so we can have credits for ethanol through 2007, and last modern electricity grids as well. All this mod- year I signed into law a 50-cent-per-gallon ernization of our electricity grid is contained tax credit for producers of biodiesel. in the electricity title in the energy bill I sub- There’s ways Government can help. Con- mitted to the United States Congress. gress needs to get me a bill that continues To power our growing economy, we also to help diversify away from crude oil. My ad- need to generate more electricity. Electricity

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comes from three principal sources, coal and Technology has made it so I can say to natural gas and nuclear power. To ensure you, I am confident we can build safe nuclear that electricity is affordable and reliable, powerplants for you. Last month I directed America must improve our use of all three. the Department of Energy to work with Con- Coal is our Nation’s most abundant energy gress to reduce uncertainty in the nuclear resource, and it provides about half of your powerplant licensing process. We’re also electricity here in Virginia. As a matter of working to provide other incentives to en- fact, we got coal reserves that will last us for courage new plant construction, such as Fed- 250 more years. But coal presents an envi- eral insurance to protect the builders of the ronmental challenge. We know that. So I’ve first four new plants against lawsuits and bu- asked Congress to provide more than $2 bil- reaucratic obstacles and other delays beyond lion over 10 years for a Coal Research Initia- their control. A secure energy future for this tive, a program that will promote new tech- country must include safe and clean nuclear nologies to remove virtually all pollutants power. from coal-fired powerplants. Many of the initiatives I’ve discussed My Clear Skies Initiative will also result today—and I recognize this is a comprehen- in tens of billions of dollars in clean coal in- sive plan, but that’s what we need in Amer- vestments by private companies. It will help ica; we need a comprehensive plan—and communities across the State meet stricter many of these initiatives are contained in the air quality standards. To help Virginia clean energy bill before the Congress. I want to your air and keep your coal, Congress needs thank the House for passing the energy bill to get the Clear Skies bill to my desk this last month. And now it’s time for the United States Senate to act. You don’t have to worry year. about George Allen. He’ll take the lead. Improving our electricity supply also For the past 4 years, Americans have seen means making better use of natural gas. It’s the cost of delaying a national energy policy. an important power source for our farmers You’ve seen firsthand what it means when and manufacturers and homeowners. We the Nation’s Capital gets locked down with need to increase environmentally responsible too much politics and not enough action on production of natural gas from Federal lands. behalf of the American people. You’ve seen To further increase our natural gas supply, it through rising power bills; you’ve seen it Congress needs to make clear Federal au- through blackouts and high prices at the thority to choose sites for new receiving ter- pump. Four years of debate is enough. It is minals for liquified natural gas. In other time for the House and the Senate to come words, we’re getting a lot of natural gas from together and to get a good energy bill to my overseas that gets liquified, and we’ve got to desk by August, and I’ll sign it into law. be able to deliquify it so we can get it into I’ve set big goals for our Nation’s energy your homes. And we need more terminals, policy, and I am confident our Nation can and Congress needs to give us the authority meet those goals. Americans have a long his- to site those terminals in order to get you tory of overcoming problems through deter- more natural gas. mination and through technology. Not long I don’t know if you realize this, but here ago the prospect of running a car on fuel in Virginia, you get about a third of your elec- made from soybean oil seemed pretty un- tricity from nuclear energy. Yet America has likely. I imagine 30 years ago, a politician say- not ordered a nuclear powerplant since the ing, ‘‘Vote for me, and I’ll see to it that your 1970s. France, by contrast, has built 58 plants car can run on soybean oil,’’ wouldn’t get very in the same period. And today, France gets far. [Laughter] Here we are, standing in front more than 78 percent of its electricity from of a refinery that makes it. nuclear power. In order to make sure you We’ve got a lot of innovators in America, get electricity at reasonable prices and in just like the folks here at Virginia BioDiesel. order to make sure our air remains clean, No doubt in my mind the innovative spirit it is time for us to start building some nuclear of this country is going to make certain that powerplants in America. our children and grandchildren will grow up

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in a more secure America, an America less in force, the Antigua Convention will replace dependent on foreign sources of oil. And the the original 1949 Convention establishing the first place to start is for the United States Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission Congress to pass that bill, based upon a com- (IATTC). Revisions to the 1949 Convention prehensive strategy that’s going to work on will strengthen the mandate of the IATTC behalf of this country. to reflect changes in the law governing living I want to thank you for giving me a chance marine resources since the adoption of the to come and share my thoughts with you. original Convention more than 50 years ago. God bless you all. The highly migratory fish stocks governed by the Antigua Convention constitute an im- NOTE: The President spoke at 11:25 a.m. In his portant economic resource for the countries remarks, he referred to Stephanie Johanns, wife of Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns; Walter of the region and vital components of the A. Stosch, majority leader, Virginia State Senate; marine ecosystem of the Eastern Pacific Mayor Andrew J. Conklin of West Point, VA; John Ocean requiring careful conservation and Budesky, administrator, New Kent County, VA; management. Early entry into force and im- Douglas E. Faulkner, managing member, Norman plementation of the Antigua Convention will L. Faulkner, partner, and Norman F. Faulkner, offer the opportunity to strengthen conserva- partner, Virginia BioDiesel; and Allen Schaeffer, tion and management of these resources in executive director, Diesel Technology Forum. important ways, including through enhanced efforts to ensure compliance and enforce- Message to the Senate Transmitting ment of agreed conservation and manage- the Convention for the ment measures. Strengthening of the Inter-American The Antigua Convention draws upon rel- Tropical Tuna Commission evant provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the ‘‘LOS May 16, 2005 Convention’’) and the 1995 United Nations To the Senate of the United States: Agreement on the Conservation and Man- With a view to receiving the advice and agement of Straddling Fish Stocks and High- consent of the Senate to ratification, I trans- ly Migratory Fish Stocks (the ‘‘U.N. Fish mit herewith the Convention for the Stocks Agreement’’). The Antigua Conven- Strengthening of the Inter-American Trop- tion gives effect to the provisions of the LOS ical Tuna Commission established by the Convention and U.N. Fish Stocks Agreement 1949 Convention between the United States that recognize as essential, and require co- of America and the Republic of Costa Rica, operation to conserve highly migratory fish with Annexes, (the ‘‘Antigua Convention’’), stocks through regional fishery management which was adopted on June 27, 2003, in Anti- organizations, by those with direct interests gua, Guatemala, by the Parties to the 1949 in them—coastal States with authority to Convention. The United States signed the manage fishing in waters under their jurisdic- Antigua Convention on November 14, 2003. tion and those nations and entities whose ves- I also transmit, for the information of the sels fish for these stocks. Senate, the report of the Secretary of State The United States, which played an instru- with respect to the Antigua Convention, with mental role in negotiation of the revised Con- an enclosure. vention, has direct and important interests The Antigua Convention sets forth the in the Antigua Convention and its early and legal obligations and establishes the coopera- effective implementation. United States fish- tive mechanisms necessary for the long-term ing concerns, including the U.S. tuna indus- conservation and sustainable use of the high- try, U.S. conservation organizations, and U.S. ly migratory fish stocks (such as tuna and consumers, as well as those people who re- swordfish) of the Eastern Pacific Ocean that side in those U.S. States bordering the Con- range across extensive areas of the high seas vention Area, have crucial stakes in the as well as through waters under the fisheries health of the oceans and their resources as jurisdiction of numerous coastal States. Once promoted by the Antigua Convention.

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I recommend that the Senate give early capacity that are so evident elsewhere in the and favorable consideration to the Antigua world’s oceans. Convention and give its advice and consent The WCPF Convention builds upon the to ratification. 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1995 United Nations George W. Bush Agreement on the Conservation and Man- The White House, agement of Straddling Fish Stocks and High- May 16, 2005. ly Migratory Fish Stocks. The WCPF Con- vention gives effect to the provisions of these two instruments, which recognize coopera- Message to the Senate Transmitting tion to conserve highly migratory fish stocks the Convention on the Conservation as essential, and require those with direct in- and Management of the Highly terests in them—coastal States with authority Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western to manage fishing in waters under their juris- and Central Pacific Ocean, With diction and nations whose vessels fish for Annexes these stocks—to engage in such cooperation through regional fishery management organi- May 16, 2005 zations. To the Senate of the United States: The WCPF Convention balances in an eq- uitable fashion the interests of coastal States, With a view to receiving the advice and notably the island States that comprise the consent of the Senate to ratification, I trans- mit herewith the Convention on the Con- Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), in pro- servation and Management of the Highly Mi- tecting important fishery resources off their gratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Cen- shores, and the interests of distant water fish- tral Pacific Ocean, with Annexes (the ing States, notably Asian fishing nations and ‘‘WCPF Convention’’), which was adopted at entities (Japan, Republic of Korea, China, Honolulu on September 5, 2000, by the Mul- and Taiwan), whose fishing vessels range far tilateral High Level Conference on the High- from their own shores. ly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and The United States, which played an instru- Central Pacific Ocean. The United States mental role in achieving this balance, has di- signed the Convention on that date. I also rect and important interests in the WCPF transmit, for the information of the Senate, Convention and its early and effective imple- the report of the Secretary of State with re- mentation. The United States is both a major spect to the WCPF Convention. distant water fishing nation (with the fourth- The WCPF Convention sets forth legal ob- largest catch in the region) and an important ligations and establishes cooperative mecha- coastal State with significant Exclusive Eco- nisms that are needed in order to ensure the nomic Zone waters in the region (including long-term conservation and sustainable use the waters around Hawaii, American Samoa, of highly migratory fish stocks (such as tuna, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands). swordfish, and marlin) that range across ex- United States fishing concerns, including tensive areas of the high seas as well as the U.S. tuna industry, U.S. conservation or- through waters under the fisheries jurisdic- ganizations, and U.S. consumers, as well as tion of numerous coastal States. These con- those residents of Hawaii and the U.S. Flag stitute resources of worldwide importance, Pacific island areas of Guam, American with the fisheries for tuna in the Western Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and Central Pacific being the largest and most valuable in the world. Implementation all have a crucial stake in the health of the of the WCPF Convention will offer the op- oceans and their resources as promoted by portunity to conserve and manage these re- the WCPF Convention. sources responsibly before they become sub- I recommend that the Senate give early ject to the pressures of overfishing and over- and favorable consideration to the WCPF

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Convention and give its advice and consent and women at the USTR for the good work to its ratification. they have done. George W. Bush Ambassador Portman is the right man to carry on this important work. He has a great The White House, record as a champion of free and fair trade. May 16, 2005. In his early days as an attorney, he special- ized in international trade law. Throughout Remarks at a Swearing-In Ceremony his time in Congress, he built a reputation for Robert J. Portman as United as a steadfast proponent of the power of open States Trade Representative markets to spread hope and prosperity around the world. As an Ohioan, Rob knows May 17, 2005 how much American farmers and workers The President. Thank you all for coming. depend on our export markets and how the I’m pleased to congratulate a distinguished expansion of agreements around the world public servant, Rob Portman, on becoming can contribute to our economy here at home. our new United States Trade Representative. To advance our trade agenda, we have It’s an honor to be with Rob’s dad as well three priorities in the months ahead. Our as Jane and Jed and Will and Sally. Glad you first trade priority is to pass the Central all are here. It’s always great when our Trade American and Dominican Republic Free Representative has teenagers in the house. Trade Agreement, known as CAFTA. That [Laughter] It helps him become a skilled ne- is an important priority of this administration, gotiator. [Laughter] I appreciate the other and it should be an important priority of the members of the Portman family who have United States Congress. Last week, I met joined us. with the six Presidents from the nations. We I thank members of my Cabinet who are all share an interest in prosperity for our peo- here. Josh Bolten, thank you for coming. I ple and peace in the region, and CAFTA appreciate Peter Allgeier, who is the Deputy gives us an historic opportunity to advance U.S. Trade Minister. Peter, good to see you, these common goals. sir. The agreement does four key things: It will I want to thank the Members of Congress level the playing field for American farmers who came, David Camp from Michigan, Paul and businesses; it will help our economy; it Ryan from Wisconsin—and Janna. I appre- will make the region more competitive with ciate—I’m not through yet—[laughter]—— Asia; and it will strengthen democracy in our Audience member. I’m sorry, sir. [Laugh- backyard. At the moment, about 80 percent ter] of imports from the region already enter the The President. ——and Melissa Hart. United States duty-free. Our market is open Rick Lazio, former Member, thank you for to the goods from CAFTA nations. CAFTA coming. will open the region’s markets of 44 million I want to thank the Ambassadors who are consumers to our goods and our services and here, diplomatic corps, embajadores de Cen- our crops. CAFTA will also lower barriers tral America, as well as other ambassadors— in key segments like textiles. This would put welcome. CAFTA countries and America in a better Ambassador Portman will be carrying on position to compete with low-cost producers the superb work done by Bob Zoellick. in Asia. Under Ambassador Zoellick’s outstanding As it opens the Western Hemisphere mar- leadership, the U.S. Trade Representative’s kets, CAFTA will also bring the stability and Office has worked with Congress to pass security that can only come from freedom. trade promotion authority. We’ve completed Today, a part of the world that was once char- free trade agreements with 12 nations on 5 acterized by unrest and dictatorship now sees continents. And those agreements will open its future in free elections and free trade, a combined market of 124 million consumers and we must not take these gains for granted. for America’s farmers, small businesses, and These are small nations, but they are making manufacturers. I want to thank all the men big and brave commitments, and America

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needs to continue to support them as they our bold agenda at this important moment walk down the road of openness and account- for world trade. ability. By transforming our hemisphere into I want to thank you all again for coming. a powerful free trade area, we will promote Congratulations, Rob. democratic governance and human rights and the economic liberty for everyone. NOTE: The President spoke at 2:34 p.m. in Room CAFTA is a really important piece of legisla- 450 of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Of- tion. fice Building. In his remarks, he referred to Am- Our second trade priority is to encourage bassador Portman’s father, William Portman, his wife, Jane Portman, and their children, Joseph the Doha Development Agenda now being ‘‘Jed’’ Portman, William Portman, and Sarah pursued by the World Trade Organization. ‘‘Sally’’ Portman; Janna Ryan, wife of Representa- This new framework is the largest negotiation tive Paul Ryan; and former Representative Rick of its kind in history, and it would reduce Lazio of New York. The transcript released by and eliminate tarrifs in key industry sectors the Office of the Press Secretary also included and unfair agricultural subsidies and open the remarks of Ambassador Portman. the global market in services. Finally, our third trade priority is to ensure Notice—Continuation of the that those who sign trade agreements live up National Emergency With Respect to to their terms. China’s membership in the World Trade Organization has been a good Burma thing for America. Our exports to China have May 17, 2005 increased 81 percent since China’s entry into On May 20, 1997, the President issued Ex- the WTO. When it joined the WTO, China ecutive Order 13047, certifying to the Con- also agreed to the rules of international trade, gress under section 570(b) of the Foreign and it’s in the interest of both China and the Operations, Export Financing, and Related United States for China to abide by them. Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 (Public One reason I selected Ambassador Law 104–208), that the Government of Portman for this job is because I know he’ll Burma has committed large-scale repression work to see that our farmers and our workers of the democratic opposition in Burma after and service providers are treated fairly. Am- September 30, 1996, thereby invoking the bassador Portman will work to ensure that prohibition on new investment in Burma by China stops the piracy of U.S. intellectual United States persons contained in that sec- property, lifts the barriers that are keeping tion. The President also declared a national our goods and services out of China, and emergency to deal with the threat posed to demonstrates its commitment to trans- the national security and foreign policy of the parency and distribution rights for our prod- United States by the actions and policies of ucts. the Government of Burma, invoking the au- America is a nation founded on the idea thority, inter alia, of the International Emer- of open exchange, and free and fair trade gency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1701 is a win-win for all sides. By opening new et seq. On July 28, 2003, I issued Executive markets, we’ll increase prosperity for our Order 13310 taking additional steps with re- small businesses and farmers and manufac- spect to that national emergency by putting turers and create jobs for American workers. in place an import ban required by the Bur- By enforcing trade laws and agreements, we mese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 will ensure a level playing field for America’s and prohibiting exports of financial services workers. American workers can compete to Burma and the dealing in property in with anybody, anytime, anywhere when the which certain designated Burmese persons rules are fair. have an interest. Rob Portman is America’s Trade Rep- Because the actions and policies of the resentative. He’s also my friend. I know his Government of Burma continue to pose an integrity and his wisdom and his dedication. unusual and extraordinary threat to the na- And I know he’s the right man to carry out tional security and foreign policy of the

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United States, the national emergency de- security and foreign policy of the United clared on May 20, 1997, and the measures States. For this reason, I have determined adopted on that date to deal with that emer- that it is necessary to continue the national gency must continue in effect beyond May emergency with respect to Burma and main- 20, 2005. Therefore, in accordance with sec- tain in force the sanctions against Burma to tion 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act respond to this threat. (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to George W. Bush Burma. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Con- The White House, gress. May 17, 2005. George W. Bush The White House, Remarks at the Republican National May 17, 2005. Committee Dinner [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, May 17, 2005 11:29 a.m., May 17, 2005] Thank you all very much. Thanks for com- NOTE: This notice was published in the Federal ing. Thanks for coming. Please be seated. Register on May 18. [Laughter] Thank you for the warm wel- come. Thank you for supporting the Repub- Message to the Congress on lican Party. I am proud to be here today to Continuation of the National not only offer my thanks but to remind you that our party has a positive, hopeful, opti- Emergency With Respect to Burma mistic vision for every single person who is May 17, 2005 fortunate enough to be an American. To the Congress of the United States: We are driving the debate on all key do- Section 202(d) of the National Emer- mestic and foreign policy issues. Because of gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for our achievements, the American people see the automatic termination of a national emer- the Republican Party as the party of reform gency unless, prior to the anniversary date and optimism, the party of ideals and vision. of its declaration, the President publishes in And one of the reasons I asked Ken the Federal Register and transmits to the Mehlman to serve as the chairman of our Congress a notice stating that the emergency party is because he is a man of vision; he is to continue in effect beyond the anniver- is an idealistic soul. He is willing to take our sary date. I have sent the enclosed notice to message to every neighborhood in the United the Federal Register for publication, which States of America. He did a fabulous job in states that the Burma emergency is to con- managing my campaign in 2004. I’m proud tinue beyond May 20, 2005. The most recent to call him chairman of the Republican Party. notice continuing this emergency was pub- The Comedian in Chief—[laughter]—is lished in the Federal Register on May 19, tied up, but she sends her love. Many of you 2004 (69 FR 29041). know Laura as a friend. I’m fortunate to The crisis between the United States and know her as a wife. She is a great mother Burma arising from the actions and policies and a fabulous First Lady for the United of the Government of Burma that led to the States. If you ever want to get a laugh, all declaration of a national emergency on May you have to do is poke fun at the President 20, 1997, has not been resolved. These ac- and his mother. [Laughter] tions and policies, including its policies of I want to thank my Secretary of Interior; committing large-scale repression of the Gale Norton is with us. democratic opposition in Burma, are hostile I want to thank the Members of Congress to U.S. interests and pose a continuing un- who are here. I just had a chance to shake usual and extraordinary threat to the national hands with Leader Bill Frist, who’s doing a

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fabulous job. I enjoy working with the leader- We came to Washington to challenge the ship of the House. Denny Hastert is a great status quo when it came to education. A lot Speaker of the House. Tom DeLay is a fine of us were appalled at a system that just sim- majority leader. Roy Blunt is a great whip. ply shuffled kids through the system. And so I thank all the Members of the Senate who we wanted to challenge the soft bigotry of are here, Members of the House who are low expectations. And we successfully have here. challenged the soft bigotry of low expecta- I appreciate my friend Governor Haley tions by insisting on high results and meas- Barbour from the great State of Mississippi, urement so we can determine whether or not who has joined us. every child is learning to read and write and I want to thank Dwight Schar, the RNC add and subtract. Because we acted, test finance chairman, and his wife, Martha. And scores are rising in America, the achievement I want to thank all the committee who is up gap for minority students is closing, the door here for working so hard to make this a suc- of opportunity in our great country is open- cessful evening. I appreciate your leadership. ing more and more to every single child. No I appreciate your hard work. I appreciate child will be left behind in America. your contributions. I want to thank Jo Ann We came to Washington to help keep com- Davidson, the RNC cochairman. mitments. Our Nation has made a commit- I appreciate my friend Ambassador Mer- ment to health care for our seniors. And yet, cer Reynolds, who is here. You might have the Medicare system that was available for heard from Mercer—[laughter]—in the our seniors was old and antiquated. We mod- course of the 2004 year. [Laughter] I appre- ernized Medicare. We said to seniors that ciate his hard work on my behalf. you’ve got to have a medicine—a medical I want to thank The Spinners, and I want system that is up to date and current. Be- to thank Ricky Skaggs. cause we acted, we have given our seniors But most of all, I thank you all. I want the medicine and pharmaceuticals that they to thank you for supporting this event, and deserve and they need to have good health I want to thank you for supporting our party care in their elder years. over the past years. You know, we took on the 2004 campaign And we believe in ownership. We want with good ideas and a bold agenda. But the more people owning something in America. reason the people listened is because we did We want more entrepreneurs owning their a lot in 2000 and 2002—2001, 2002, 2003, own business. Do you realize, today, more and 2004. In other words, we came to Wash- people own a home than ever before in our ington, DC, to solve problems. We came with Nation’s history. More minority families own some principles on how to solve those prob- a home than ever before in our Nation’s his- lems. And most importantly, we have shown tory. Our party likes the idea when somebody the American people we’re capable of deliv- opens their door and say, ‘‘Welcome to my ering results that are good for the American house. Welcome to my piece of property.’’ people. We understand that when you own some- I mean, we understand that when you face thing, you have a vital stake in the future economic hard times, the best way to get out of the United States of America. of a recession is to let people keep more of No, we came to Washington to solve prob- their own money. We understand that when lems, and a major problem was presented to entrepreneurs and small businesses have us, and that was the problem of a terrorist more money in their treasury, they’re more attack. But we acted. We put together the likely to hire somebody. And the economic Homeland Security Department. It’s the policies we put in place during rough eco- largest reorganization of Government in nomic times are paying off. Our economy is nearly a half a century. And I put good peo- growing. Since May 2003, we’ve added 31⁄2 ple in positions of responsibility and author- million new jobs. More people are working ity. I’ve asked them to streamline our Gov- in America today than ever before in our Na- ernment so that I can look you in the eye tion’s history. and tell you, ‘‘The United States Government

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is doing everything we can to protect the peo- time. In the next 4 years, we’ll reform these ple of this country.’’ But the best way to pro- institutions to meet the needs of a new cen- tect the people of America is to stay on the tury. See, we have a duty. The job of the offense against the terrorists and bring them President is to confront problems, not to pass to justice. them on to future Presidents and future gen- We have supported the United States mili- erations. tary, and I can’t tell you how proud I am And that’s why I’m talking about Social Se- to be the Commander in Chief of such a fine curity, and the debate has only just begun. group of men and women. We’ve closed But I believe the side of reform is going to down terrorist networks and cells. We’ve dis- prevail, because the American people now rupted their finances. We have chased their are beginning to realize we have a serious leaders down in mountains and deserts. We problem when it comes to Social Security. have been relentless, and we will stay relent- And that problem begins with people like less. me. See, I’m fixing to retire. [Laughter] As Our most important duty is to protect the a matter of fact, I turn retirement age in American people from these coldblooded 2008. It turns out to be a convenient time. killers. And when the American President [Laughter] But there’s a lot of people like speaks, he must mean what he says. And I me; there’s a lot of baby boomers getting meant what I said, ‘‘If you harbor a terrorist, ready to retire. As a matter of fact, when we you’re equally as guilty as the terrorist.’’ And fully retire there will be over 70 million peo- I was speaking directly to people like the ple retired. To put that in perspective, today Taliban. And because we acted, not only did there are 40 million retirees. So there’s a lot we uphold doctrine and enhance the credi- of us who will be receiving greater benefits. bility of the United States of America, but They used to say when you’re running for we freed nearly 30 million people from the Congress, ‘‘Vote for me. I’m going to increase clutches of one of the most barbaric regimes the benefits.’’ [Laughter] Sure enough, peo- in the history of mankind. And I took great ple got elected—[laughter]—and they in- heart in recognizing that the first voter in creased the benefits. [Laughter] To com- the first Presidential election in years in Af- pound things even worse, we’re going to live ghanistan was a 19-year-old woman. longer. I urge you to exercise on a daily basis. Because we acted, the Middle East and [Laughter] You got a lot of people receiving the world are rid of Saddam Hussein and greater benefits, living longer, with fewer his murderous regime. And like you, I was people paying into the system. In 2017, the overwhelmed by the courage of the over 8 Social Security system goes into the red. million Iraqis who defied the suiciders and See, somebody—as I travel the country— car bombers and assassins to cast their vote and I’m going to go to Milwaukee here later in the country’s first free and democratic on this week for yet another stop—this is an election in decades. We were successful. We education program. I’ve got to educate peo- delivered results because we stayed true to ple about the truth, about the reality. See, our principles, and we were not afraid to a lot of people think there’s a lockbox— push forward with new ideas. [laughter]—that we take your money, and we Let me put it to you this way: I do not save it for you. This is a pay-as-you-go system. need a poll or a focus group to tell me where You pay your payroll taxes, and we go ahead I need to lead this country. In the midst of and spend it here in Washington, DC. the Civil War, the first Republican President, [Laughter] In 2017, the system goes into the Abraham Lincoln, said, ‘‘As our case is new, red. In 2027, we’re $200 billion short on what so we must think anew and act anew.’’ And we owe people like me, relative to the payroll we continue that proud tradition today, as taxes. In 2041, the system goes bankrupt. we’re heading into the second term. We’ve got a serious problem. Many of the most fundamental systems, We don’t have a problem for those people the Tax Code, pension plans, health cov- receiving Social Security today. As a matter erage, legal systems, and public education, of fact, if you were born prior to 1950, the were created to meet the needs of an earlier system is in good shape. You’re going to get

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your check. We have a problem for genera- country. We need a plan that encourages the tions to come, and now is the time to act. use of renewables. We need a plan that Now is the time for people to come together makes wise use of coal and nuclear power. and solve this problem once and for all. We need a plan that allows us to diversify Not only do we need to save Social Secu- away from hydrocarbons. We need a plan rity permanently for younger generations, that is good for economic security and na- we’ve got to make it a better deal for people tional security, a plan that makes us less reli- coming up. That’s why I believe younger able on foreign sources of energy. people ought to be able to take some of their I put that plan to the United States Con- own money and set it aside in a voluntary gress. The House passed a good bill. Now personal savings account, so they can get a it is time for the United States Senate to fol- better rate of return on their money than the low suit. And I expect them, for the sake of Government can get for them. But this idea this country and for the sake of our economy, has got more benefits to our society than just to get me a bill by the August recess, a bill better rates of return. See, I don’t subscribe that I can sign. to the notion that only certain people are a We’re going to continue to work to free part of the investor class. I believe every our businesses, small and large, from need- American should be a part of the investor less regulations and to protect honest job cre- class. I believe every American should be en- ators from the junk lawsuits. We’re making couraged to own assets, so they can pass it progress. I signed a bill that passed both the on to whomever they choose, assets that the House and the Senate, for class-action re- Federal Government can never take away. form and bankruptcy reform. Now we need Our party is the party of growth, and we’re to pass asbestos litigation reform. And for the showing the country we’re also the party of sake of good medical care, we need to stop spending restraint. That’s why I submitted these junk lawsuits that are running good the first budget to actually cut non-security, discretionary spending since Ronald Reagan docs out of practice and running up the price was in office. Congress is on track to hold of your medical bills. nondiscretionary—non-security, discre- We’ve got a clear agenda to make health tionary spending below last year’s levels. And care more affordable and to give families that’s an important message to send. And the greater access to coverage and more control message is this: We’re going to spend your over their health care decisions. We’re going money wisely, or we’re not going to spend to move forward to improve information it at all. technology. We’re going to continue to ex- Our Tax Code is out of date. It is incoher- pand health savings accounts. Congress ent. [Laughter] We spend too many hours needs to pass association health care plans trying to figure it out. So I’ve appointed a so small businesses are able to pool risk and bipartisan panel to examine the code from buy insurance at the same discounts that big top to bottom. And when their recommenda- business is going to do. One thing we’re not tions are delivered, we’re going to work to- going to do is we’re not going to allow the gether to put together a Tax Code that is Federal Government to make the health care progrowth, pro-entrepreneur, easy to under- decisions for patients and doctors in America. stand, and fair to all. We’ll continue to pass along to future gen- I’ve been spending some time talking erations time-honored values that sustain about a subject that I know is dear to your freedom and personal responsibility here at heart. See, you’ve been going to the gasoline home. One of the most important initiatives pumps lately. This country needs a—we need I’ve laid out, and that we’re now imple- an energy plan. I submitted a plan to the menting, is our faith-based and community Congress when I first arrived here. Four groups initiative. It’s an initiative that under- years of debate is enough. We need a plan stands that in parts of our country, people that encourages conservation, encourages en- of faith and people of good will are able to vironmentally sensitive exploration for oil heal broken hearts. The Federal Government and gas in our own hemisphere, in our own should not fear faith-based institutions. We

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ought to welcome the healing works of the is on the march, and the world will be more faith community in America. peaceful as a result of it. This party of ours will continue to promote We have a duty for future generations. We a culture of life, and we will defend the insti- have a duty to leave this world more peace- tution of marriage from being redefined for- ful. We have a duty to reform the institutions ever by activist judges. that are old and tired. That’s our duty. And speaking about judges—[laughter]— You know, political parties can take one in the last two elections, the American people of two approaches to great problems. One made clear that they want judges who faith- approach is simply to do nothing, to deny fully interpret the law, not legislate from the that a problem exists or delay solutions or bench. I have a duty to nominate well-quali- refuse to take responsibility. The political fied men and women to the Federal judici- parties that choose this option will not gain ary. I have done just that, and I will continue the trust of the American people. The other to do so. approach is to lead, to focus on the people’s The Senate also has a duty to promptly business, and to take on the tough problems. consider each of these nominees on the Sen- And that’s exactly what we’re doing here in ate floor, discuss and debate their qualifica- Washington, DC. We’re focusing on the peo- tions, and then give them the up-or-down ple’s business, and we are taking on the tough vote they deserve. And speaking of confirma- problems. And that’s why the American peo- tions, the Senate should also promptly con- ple have entrusted us with the leadership of firm Mr. John Bolton, my nominee to be our this Nation at an historic time. Ambassador to the United Nations, so we can It’s a great privilege to serve the American get on to the business of reforming that vital people, and it carries great responsibilities. institution. You see, the actions that we take today will Over the next 4 years, we’ll be relentless shape the course of events for the next half- in tracking down the terrorists. We will con- century. We’ve set big goals, and they’re not front them abroad so we don’t have to face always easy to achieve. The truth of the mat- them here at home. And as we do so, I want ter is, if they’re easy, somebody else would you to understand, I understand that the best have already done it. [Laughter] But we’re way to make America more secure is to going to continue to be the party of idealism spread freedom and democracy. and reform. And we’ll continue to lead, no Freedom is on the march, because I be- matter how tough the challenge. lieve etched in everybody’s soul is the desire We’ll trust the American people. We’ll to be free. I don’t care what your religion continue to give them a clear choice. And is. I don’t care where you’re from. Deep in so long as we stay true to our values and your soul is the desire to be free. I believe our ideas, we will do what Americans have every mother across the globe wants to raise always done, and that is to build a better her child in a peaceful and free society. I world for our children and our grand- believe everybody wants to be able to express children. themselves freely and worship freely without Thanks for coming. God bless. Thank you fear of government. all. People in the Palestinian Territories cast their ballot against violence and corruption. The people of Lebanon are rising up to de- NOTE: The President spoke at 6:56 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. In his remarks, he referred mand freedom and independence. The peo- to Ken Mehlman, chairman, Republican National ple in Egypt are taking its first steps on the Committee; Mercer Reynolds, former Victory na- path to democratic reform. The people in the tional finance chairman, Bush-Cheney ’04 cam- Ukraine have stood strongly for their rights. paign; entertainers The Spinners and Ricky I was in Georgia recently, the site of the Rose Skaggs; and former President Saddam Hussein of Revolution, where people stood in the town Iraq. He also referred to the President’s Advisory square and said, ‘‘Let us be free.’’ Freedom Panel on Federal Tax Reform.

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Remarks at a Swearing-In Ceremony people together, most recently in his historic for John D. Negroponte as Director achievements as Ambassador to a free Iraq. of National Intelligence and Michael I’m grateful to John for answering his Na- V. Hayden as Deputy Director of tion’s call. I thank his family for joining us National Intelligence today. John is fortunate to count on an experi- May 18, 2005 enced and capable deputy in General Mike Good afternoon. Thank you for being here. Hayden. General Hayden understands the I am honored and pleased to congratulate intelligence community from the ground up. John Negroponte on becoming America’s He has a long record of wise and effective first Director of National Intelligence. I also reform. Mike also has a clear understanding congratulate General Mike Hayden on be- of our enemies in the war on terror. He’ll coming on our Nation’s first principal Dep- be a superb deputy to Ambassador uty Director of National Intelligence. Negroponte. I thank Mike for his willingness I want to thank Secretary of State Condi to serve, and I’m glad to see his family as Rice and Secretary of Defense Don Rums- well. feld for joining us today. I appreciate Porter As John Negroponte and Mike Hayden Goss, head of the Central Intelligence Agen- carry out their new duties, they’re relying on cy, for joining us, Robert Mueller, Director the thousands of dedicated professionals of the FBI. working in our intelligence community. I appreciate Senator Ted Stevens, Senate These men and women serve America with President pro tem, joining us today, along a wide variety of talents and expertise. They with Senator Jay Rockefeller. Thank you both all report to work everyday with the same for being here. I want to thank Congressman goal, to protect our fellow citizens from Peter Hoekstra, chairman of the House Per- harm. Intelligence officers work in secret and manent Select Committee on Intelligence, often at great risk to their lives. Their vigi- along with Congresswoman Jane Harman, lance and bravery are vital to America’s secu- ranking member. Thank you both for com- rity. And on behalf of all Americans, I thank ing. them and their families for their service in I appreciate Chuck Robb, Co-Chairman of the cause of freedom. the WMD Commission, for joining us today. As Director of National Intelligence, John I want to thank members of the intelligence is taking action to help all who serve in the community who have joined us. I thank the intelligence community to do their jobs more rest of you for coming too. [Laughter] effectively. He has assembled a strong lead- Ambassador Negroponte’s position is one ership team that reflects a wide range of skills of the newest in the Government and one and intelligence experience. He’s visited a of the most demanding. Our Nation is at war, number of intelligence agencies. He’s lis- and John is making sure that those whose tened to experts in a variety of fields, and duty it is to defend America have the infor- he’s made reforms in the daily intelligence mation we need to make the right decisions. briefing. John recognizes and values the con- He’s ensuring that our intelligence agencies tributions of all who collect and analyze intel- work as a single, unified enterprise. And he’s ligence. He will ensure that they have access serving as my principal intelligence adviser. to the tools and information their missions These are vital and urgent responsibilities, demand. and John has what it takes to fulfill them all. In the days ahead, Ambassador In his distinguished career, John has rep- Negroponte and General Hayden will con- resented America in eight nations on three tinue the structural reforms of our intel- continents. He’s served every President since ligence community that began after Sep- Dwight Eisenhower. Over the past 4 years, tember the 11th, 2001. We’ve now imple- I’ve come to know John’s wisdom, intellect, mented the vast majority of the 9/11 Com- and integrity. I’ve relied on his candid judg- mission’s recommendations through Execu- ment to help solve complicated problems. I tive orders and the intelligence reform bill have witnessed his unique ability to bring I signed last December.

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My administration is also reviewing all the was grateful, and one time he said, ‘‘Do you recommendations made by the Silberman- believe in free speech?’’ I said, ‘‘I do.’’ He Robb Commission on weapons of mass de- said, ‘‘Why don’t you get over to the IRI and struction. We have already begun to imple- give one, then?’’ [Laughter] ment a number of their recommendations. It was an honor to meet your mother, We will continue to evaluate and act on the John—Roberta. There she is. Mrs. McCain, Commission’s useful blueprint to improve it’s good to see you. If you’re anything like the quality and quantity of intelligence we my mother, I’m sure you’re telling John what collect and to be able to analyze that informa- to do. [Laughter] If he’s anything like me, tion more thoroughly. he’s listening to you about half the time. John Negroponte will also ensure the shar- [Laughter] But thank you very much, John. ing of information among agencies and estab- I appreciate your president, Lorne Craner. lish common standards for the intelligence He did a fantastic job in our administration community’s personnel. I have confidence in as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy John Negroponte and Mike Hayden to carry and Human Rights and Labor, and he con- out these vital missions. Well-integrated, ef- tinues to do good work. fective intelligence efforts are America’s first I regret Laura is not with us tonight. You line of defense against the threats of the 21st probably think she’s working on some of her century. one-liners. [Laughter] She’s actually packing I thank the Congress for creating the Di- her bags because she’s off for Jordan and rector of National Intelligence position and Israel and Egypt to continue to deliver the for swiftly confirming two talented, dedicated freedom message, and I can’t think of a bet- Americans to lead our intelligence commu- ter messenger. nity. I look forward to working with this team to improve our intelligence capabilities and I want to thank Peter Madigan and John to use those capabilities to win the war on Thain. I want to thank the Members of the terror. Congress who are here tonight. I particularly Congratulations to both men. May God want to say hello and thanks to my close bless you and your families, and may God friend Ambassador Jerry Bremer for his fan- continue to bless our country. tastic work in Iraq. Thank you, Jerry, for your good job.

NOTE: The President spoke at 1:18 p.m. in the I’m pleased to know that Paul Wolfowitz Courtyard at the New Executive Office Building. is with us tonight, President-elect of the In his remarks, he referred to the Commission World Bank. I’m going to miss him as a part on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United of my administration. But I want to tell you States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction something: The world will be better off with (Silberman-Robb Commission); and the National Paul Wolfowitz as the head of the World Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the Bank. United States (9/11 Commission). The transcript I want to thank the members of the diplo- released by the Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of Director Negroponte. matic corps. And I want to thank you for this fine award. I understand a little later on you’re Remarks at the International going to give an award to a true champion Republican Institute Dinner of freedom, and that is Pope John Paul II. May 18, 2005 Everywhere he went, Pope John Paul preached the call of freedom is for every Thank you all. Thank you. Thanks. Please member of the human family, because the be seated. Thank you for the warm welcome. Author of Life wrote it into our common I thank John for that introduction. John human nature. And in the end, even the Ber- McCain is a man of honor and integrity and lin Wall could not withstand the force of this personal courage. He’s an outstanding chair- humble Polish priest who became the Bishop man for the International Republican Insti- of Rome and a true hero for the ages. Thank tute. He campaigned with me, for which I you for honoring this good man.

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I’m here to thank you for supporting the President Saakashvili. It was an unbelievable IRI. And I appreciate the work IRI is doing experience to stand in Freedom Square to to advance the cause of liberty. For more celebrate the peaceful revolution that took than two decades, IRI has been at the fore- place 18 months ago. Yet, it has taken nearly front of democratic change in more than a 15 years of struggle for the citizens of this hundred countries. You’ve trained the next young democracy to establish freedom and generation of leaders. You’ve strengthened justice in their country. But I’ve seen the re- political parties. You’ve monitored elections, solve of Georgia’s leaders and the spirit of and you’re helping to build civil societies. the Georgian people. And I can assure you, You’ve made an enormous difference in the they have the will to succeed, and the United lives of millions across the world. I hope that States of America will help them. makes you feel good. The world is safer and Almost every new democracy has gone freer and more peaceful because of the through a period of challenge and confusion. International Republican Institute. Thank In Slovakia, the Velvet Revolution was fol- you for your good work. lowed by a period of neoauthoritarian rule These are incredibly exciting times. They before freedom firmly took hold. In Roma- must be exciting times for you, and they’re nia, the communist regime was toppled in exciting times for me. They should be excit- 1989, and today, the post-communist leader- ing times for everybody because freedom is ship is still dealing with the legacy of corrup- making unprecedented progress across the tion they inherited as they work to build a globe. In the last 18 months, we have wit- vibrant democracy. In Ukraine, citizens wait- nessed revolutions of Rose, Orange, Purple, ed 13 years after independence for the Or- Tulip, and Cedar. And these are just the be- ange Revolution that solidified the demo- ginnings. Across the Caucasus and central cratic gains. All these countries still have Asia, hope is stirring at the prospect of much more work to do, but their people are change, and change will come. Across the courageous, and their leaders are deter- broader Middle East, we are seeing the rise mined. And with our help, they will prevail. of a new generation whose hearts burn for freedom, and they will have it. And as we push the freedom agenda, we This is a period of great idealism, when must remember the history of our own coun- dreams of liberty are coming true for mil- try. The American Revolution was followed lions. Yet, to achieve idealistic goals, we need by years of chaos. In 1783, Congress was realistic policies to help nations secure their chased from Philadelphia by angry veterans freedom and practical strategies to help demanding backpay, and the Congress stayed young democracies consolidate their gains. on the run for 6 months. Our first effort at To help young democracies succeed, we a governing charter, the Articles of Confed- need to recognize that freedom movements eration, failed miserably. It took several years can create a vacuum. Democratic change and before we finally adopted our Constitution free elections are exhilarating events. Yet we and inaugurated our first President. It took know from experience they can be followed a 4-year civil war and a century of struggle by moments of uncertainty. When people after that before the promise of our Declara- risk everything to vote, it can raise expecta- tion was extended to all Americans. tions that their lives will improve imme- No nation in history has made the transi- diately, but history teaches us that the path tion from tyranny to a free society without to a free society is long and not always setbacks and false starts. What separates smooth. those nations that succeed from those that During my visit to Europe, I stopped in falter is their progress in establishing free in- a country that is now in the early stages of stitutions. So to help young democracies suc- its transition from free elections to a free so- ceed, we must help them build free institu- ciety, and that’s the nation of Georgia. It was tions to fill the vacuum created by change. a fantastic honor to represent our country Democracy takes different forms in different in front of thousands of people and to stand cultures. Yet we know that in all cultures, side by side with a true lover of freedom, successful democracies are built on certain

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common foundations, and they include the media has left, and the world’s attention has following rights: turned elsewhere. First, all successful democracies need free- As new democracies emerge, we need you dom of speech, with a vibrant free press that to help civic associations in those countries informs the public, ensures transparency, transform from regime opponents to issue and prevents authoritarian backsliding. advocates, so they can press legitimate gov- Second, all successful democracies need ernments for essential reforms. We need you freedom of assembly, so citizens can gather to help the democratic reformers you have and organize in free associations to press for trained make the transition from dissidents reform and so that a peaceful, loyal opposi- to elected legislators by teaching them how tion can provide citizens with real choices. to build coalitions and set legislative agendas Third, all successful democracies need a and master unfamiliar skills like constituent free economy to unleash the creativity of its service. We need you to help businesses in citizens and create prosperity and oppor- new market economies organize trade asso- tunity and economic independence from the ciations and chambers of commerce, so they state. can promote progrowth economic policies. Fourth, all democracies need an inde- And we need you to teach newly elected gov- pendent judiciary to guarantee rule of law ernments the importance of building public and assure impartial justice for all citizens. support for their policies and programs as And fifth, all democracies need freedom well as how to effectively deal with a free of worship, because respect for the beliefs news media. By helping people build these of others is the only way to build a society institutions and develop the habits of liberty, where compassion and tolerance prevail. you are helping them transform new democ- These are the foundations that sustain racies into lasting free societies. human freedom. Societies that lay these To build free institutions, the United foundations not only survive but thrive. Soci- States Government has responsibilities. To eties that fail to do so often find they have help meet this goal, since taking office my built their future on sand instead of rock and administration has provided more than $4.6 risk sliding back into tyranny. So we have billion for programs to support democratic a great responsibility. We must help these change around the world, and we have re- young democracies build the free institutions quested over 1.3 billion for these efforts in that will protect their liberty and extend it our 2006 budget. Our 2006 budget also re- to future generations. quests $80 million for the National Endow- To help young democracies succeed and ment of Democracy, more than double build these institutions of liberty, we must NED’s budget when I took office. The rea- enlist the help of many individuals and insti- son I bring this up is I want you to under- tutions: nongovernmental organizations have a role to play; the United States Government stand that we have funding, but we will focus has a role to play; and the world’s free nations that funding to help new democracies after all have important roles to play. the elections are over. To build free institutions, we’re counting We must also improve the responsiveness on groups like IRI. As more and more people of our Government to help nations emerging rise up to demand their freedom, the world from tyranny and war. Democratic change is seeing a proliferation of democratic transi- can arrive suddenly, and that means our Gov- tions. For IRI and others in the business of ernment must be able to move quickly to promoting democratic change, this is good provide needed assistance. So last summer, news. It means you are in a growth industry. my administration established a new Office We need you to continue your vital work to of Reconstruction and Stabilization in the help ensure free and fair elections across the State Department, led by Ambassador Carlos world. At the same time, we also need you Pascual. This new office is charged with co- to focus your skills and experience on what ordinating our Government’s civilian efforts comes after the elections are over, and the to meet an essential mission, helping the

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world’s newest democracies make the transi- These are ordinary Americans who are tion to peace and freedom and a market making unbelievable contributions to free- economy. dom’s cause. And the spirit of the citizenship You know, one of the lessons we learned of this country is remarkable, and we’re going from our experience in Iraq is that while mili- to put that spirit to work to advance the cause tary personnel can be rapidly deployed any- of liberty and to build a safer world. where in the world, the same is not true of We’re improving the capacity of our mili- U.S. Government civilians. Many fine civilian tary to assist nations that are making demo- workers from almost every department of our cratic transitions. In Iraq and Afghanistan, Government volunteered to serve in Iraq. our men and women in uniform are serving When they got there, they did an amazing with unbelievable courage and distinction, job under extremely difficult and dangerous and they make this country incredibly proud. circumstances, and America appreciates their The main purpose of our military is to win service and sacrifice. the war on terror, is to find and defeat the But the process of recruiting and staffing terrorists overseas so we do not face them the Coalition Provisional Authority was here at home. A major goal of our military lengthy, and it was difficult. That’s why one is to train Iraqi and Afghan security forces of the first projects of the new Office of Re- so these nations can defend their people and construction and Stabilization is to create a fight the terrorists themselves. But at the same time, America’s Armed Forces are also new Active Response Corps made up of for- undertaking a less visible but increasingly im- eign and civil service officers who can deploy portant task, helping these people of these quickly to crisis situations as civilian first-re- nations build civil societies from the rubble sponders. This new Corps will be on call, of oppression. ready to get programs running on the ground In Afghanistan, U.S. and coalition forces in days and weeks instead of months and are deploying Provincial Reconstruction years. The 2006 budget requests $24 million Teams in remote regions of that country. for this office and $100 million for a new These teams are helping the Afghan Govern- Conflict Response Fund. If a crisis emerges ment to fix schools, dig wells, build roads, and assistance is needed, the United States repair hospitals, and build confidence in the of America will be ready. Afghan Government’s ability to deliver real This office will also work to expand our change in people’s lives. In Iraq, soldiers of use of civilian volunteers from outside our the 1st Cavalry Division launched ‘‘Operation Government who have the right skills and Adam Smith,’’ provided Iraqi entrepreneurs are willing to serve in these missions. After with small-business loans, taught them the the liberation of Iraq and Afghanistan, Amer- important skills to run a business, like ac- icans from all walks of life stepped forward counting and marketing and writing business to help these newly liberated nations recover. plans. Last summer, a Lancaster, Ohio, police of- To give our military more resources for ficer named Brian Fisher volunteered to this vital work, we are rebalancing our forces, spend a year in Baghdad training Iraqi police. moving people out of skills that are in low Brian says, ‘‘The Iraqi people have been demand, such as heavy artillery, and adding under a dictatorship, and now they are mov- more military police and civil affairs special- ing toward democracy, and I want to do ists that are needed in these types of situa- something to help.’’ What a fantastic spirit tions. By transforming our military, we will that Brian showed, but he’s not alone. Last make our Armed Forces faster, more agile, May, a Notre Dame Law School professor and more lethal, and we will make them named Jimmy Gurule helped train 39 Iraqi more effective in helping societies transition judges, some of whom will conduct the trials from war and despotism to freedom and de- of Saddam Hussein and other senior mem- mocracy. bers of his regime. Because of efforts of peo- To build free institutions, all free nations ple like him and Brian, these trials will be have responsibilities. We know that democ- fair and transparent. racies do not foment terror or invade their

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neighbors. Democratic societies are peaceful dle East remains a place where freedom does societies, which is why, for the sake of peace, not flourish, it will remain a place of stagna- the world’s established democracies must tion and resentment and violence ready for help the world’s newest democracies suc- export. The United States has adopted a new ceed. policy, a forward strategy of freedom in the The United States will continue to call Middle East, a strategy that recognizes the upon our friends and allies across the world best way to defeat the ideology that uses ter- to help in this noble cause. And today, many ror as a weapon is to spread freedom and nations are stepping forward with practical democracy. And we’re beginning to see the help. And some of the most active countries effects of this new approach. are those who have had recent experience Iraq and Afghanistan have held free elec- with tyrants themselves. Hungary has estab- tions and are now building free societies. In lished an International Center for Demo- Afghanistan, they have for the first time a cratic Transition to share its experiences with democratically elected President, and they emerging democracies. Lithuania is now pre- are now seeing the rebirth of civil society in paring to deploy a Provincial Reconstruction a place that until recently had only known Team in western Afghanistan. Slovakia is the terror of the Taliban. Iraqis now have bringing Iraqi political leaders to their coun- an elected Transitional National Assembly, a try to show them firsthand how a nation new Prime Minister, and they are on their moves from dictatorship to democracy. With way to writing a new constitution for a free the help of IRI, Poland and Lithuania and Iraq. In this vital work, Iraqis and Afghans Latvia are working with civil society leaders have the support of the American people in Belarus to bring freedom to Europe’s last and, thankfully, the support of the Inter- dictatorship. national Republican Institute. Bahrain and Jordan, the Czech Republic, The Palestinian people have gone to the and Britain and Italy are hosting hundreds polls and have chosen a leader committed of Iraqi judges so they can study modern to negotiation instead of violence. And now legal techniques that will help Iraq establish we must help them build free institutions the rule of law. Many nations are contrib- that will be a foundation for lasting peace. uting troops for stability operations. In Af- I’ve asked Jim Wolfensohn to help President ghanistan, 40 countries have forces on the Abbas build a modern economy and lasting ground, and NATO has taken charge of the political institutions. If we want to have two International Security Assistance Force in states living side by side in peace, the world Kabul. In Iraq, 30 nations have forces de- must insist that the Palestinians develop the ployed, and NATO is helping to train army institutions necessary for a free, democratic officers and police and civilian administrators society to grow and emerge. of a new Iraq. Egypt will hold its first multiparty Presi- This is incredibly important work. And I dential election this fall. The success of this will remind the leaders of free countries how important step can be advanced by the pres- important this work is. ence of international monitors and by rules And it’s not easy work. It’s tough work. that allow for a real campaign. As we’re seeing in the Middle East, freedom In Lebanon, the citizens of that nation rose often has deadly enemies, men who celebrate up to demand their independence and will murder, incite suicide, and thirst for absolute vote in elections that are set to start at the power. By working together to aid demo- end of this month. Those elections must go cratic transitions, we will isolate and defeat forward with no outside influence. And when the forces of terror and ensure a peaceful the Lebanese people have chosen their lead- world for generations to come. ers, the world’s free nations will be there to Today, much of our focus is on the broader help them build a lasting democracy. Middle East, because I understand that 60 In these countries and across the world, years of Western nations excusing and ac- those who claim their liberty will have an un- commodating the lack of freedom in that re- wavering ally in the United States. This ad- gion did nothing to make us safe. If the Mid- ministration will stand with the democratic

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reformers, no matter how hard it gets. We incredibly important topic, and that is the So- have a responsibility to build a more peaceful cial Security system. world. And we know that by extending liberty But before I get there, I’ve got some other to millions who have not known it, we will things I want to say, if you don’t mind. advance the cause of freedom and the cause [Laughter] First, I’m sorry Laura is not trav- of peace. And we’re confident—we are con- eling with me today. She is—you probably fident in the future because we know that think she’s home preparing a few one-liners. the future belongs to freedom. [Laughter] She’s not; she’s home packing her And we know the tree of liberty begins bags. She is off to Jordan and Egypt and as a sapling, vulnerable to violent winds and Israel to represent our country. I can’t think gathering storms. Yet if nurtured and pro- of a better representative than Laura Bush. tected, it will grow into a mighty oak that She’s going to help advance the freedom can withstand any storm, and when it does, agenda, which is really the peace agenda. The the very winds that once threatened it will more freedom there is in the world, the more carry its seeds across borders and barriers to this world will be a peaceful world. take root in still other lands. It’s been an incredible time. It’s been an We will encourage freedom’s advance. We will nurture its progress, and we will help amazing time, hasn’t it, to watch and to see the nations that choose it to navigate the pit- these people around the world demanding falls that follow. This is the challenge of a their freedom. And it’s such an honor to be new century. It is the calling of our time. a part of helping people realize the great po- And America will do its duty. tential of a free society. It was an amazing May God bless you all. Thank you. moment to stand in Georgia—Tbilisi, Geor- gia, in front of over 150,000 people that were NOTE: The President spoke at 7:09 p.m. at the so thrilled to see a representative of the Renaissance Hotel. In his remarks, he referred United States, and they were thrilled to see to Senator John McCain, chairman, Lorne Craner, us there because we stand for freedom and president, and Peter T. Madigan, vice-chairman, human dignity and the belief that everybody International Republican Institute; John A. Thain, chief executive officer, New York Stock Exchange; counts and that you ought to be able to wor- L. Paul Bremer III, former Presidential Envoy ship freely. I hope you take great pride in to Iraq; President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia; what America stands for and know that, as President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan; Prime we spread not American values but God- Minister Ibrahim al-Jafari of the Iraqi Transitional given values around the world, this world is Government; President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu a better place. Mazen) of the Palestinian Authority; and outgoing I want to thank Congressman Paul Ryan. World Bank President James D. Wolfensohn, Spe- cial Envoy for Gaza Disengagement. He’s one of the bright lights in the United States Congress, a very sharp guy. He jumped on Air Force One—easy ride home, Remarks in a Discussion on right, Ryan? [Laughter] Are you going back? Strengthening Social Security in Oh, he is going back. Good. But we spent Milwaukee, Wisconsin a lot of time talking about this issue. He’s May 19, 2005 a smart guy and cares a lot about the Social Security issue. I really appreciate you taking The President. Thank you all very much. time out to come and hear this discussion. Pleased be seated. Thanks for coming. I want to thank Andrew Ziegler, the presi- Thanks for the warm welcome. Dennis, dent of the Milwaukee Art Museum, and thank you very much. I’m so honored that David Gordon for letting us come by. What the MMAC would host this reception—or a fantastic building. I mean, it’s really—I this conversation. Thanks for coming. And I know you’re incredibly proud of this fantastic appreciate Tim Sheehy as well, the president. facility, and I know the citizens of Milwaukee I thank the members who are here for allow- support it strongly, as you should. So thanks ing me to come by and have a conversation for letting us come by and use this facility. with some of your fellow citizens about an It’s a—look at it this way, it’s a chance to

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show it off for the world, to the extent the The reason I have to say that is because world is watching C-SPAN. many of you are aware of what takes place I had an amazing experience. I stopped in politics. People say the darndest things to by a business here called try to change people’s opinions. They might OnMilwaukee.com—[applause]—a little bit say, ‘‘If old so-and-so gets elected, you’re not of a following. Things are catching on. I rode going to get your Social Security check.’’ In over here with Jeff Sherman and Andy other words, people have been using Social Tarnoff, two young guys, Milwaukee citizens Security to scare seniors to vote one way or who started this company, entrepreneurs the other for a long period of time. And so, who took risk and have put out a product therefore, when I’m talking about the re- people obviously want. It’s a fast-growing lit- form, I want you to recognize, one, Social tle business. I met our participants over there Security is important, and two, if you’re a to talk about what we’re going to do here, senior, you have nothing to worry about. You but also, I love to see entrepreneurs. You will get your check. know, part of the role of Government is to But if you’ve got a grandchild, you’ve got create an environment in which people are willing to take risk and—which means low plenty to worry about if you care about your taxes, reasonable regulation. We’ve got to get children and your grandchildren. And here’s rid of all these junk lawsuits that are threat- why—here’s why. There’s a lot of us getting ening small businesses, the job creators. But ready to retire. We’re called baby boomers. I want to thank Andy and Jeff and their em- I’m one. As a matter of fact, my retirement ployees or associates for welcoming me age is in 2008. [Laughter] I turn 62 in 2008; there. And it was—thanks for putting me on it’s kind of convenient. [Laughter] And the front page of today’s addition. [Laughter] there’s a lot of us. As a matter of fact, by I also want to welcome Jack Voight, the the time the baby boomers fully retire, State treasurer, and the State Senate majority there’s going to be over 70 million of us. leader, Dale Schultz. Hey, Dale. Tell your That’s compared to 40-some odd million wife hello. We traveled on a bus together. today. So the number of retirees that the sys- Let me start off on Social Security by say- tem will have to take care of is increasing ing this: Franklin Roosevelt did a smart thing dramatically, and we’re living longer. in setting up a safety net for people who, A lot of baby boomers have been working when they retired, would know they would out and taking care of our bodies, making be able to more likely live in dignity upon good choices, and medicine is better, and retirement. He did a smart thing. And it we’re living longer. It’s just a fact. We’re liv- worked. Social Security worked for a long ing longer than the previous generation, and time. As a matter of fact, I fully understand we’ve been promised greater benefits. Peo- that right here in the State of Wisconsin, a ple were running for office saying, ‘‘Vote for lot of people are counting on the Social Secu- me. I’m going to give you more benefits rity check. In other words, Social Security when it comes to Social Security.’’ And sure is really important for a lot of people’s lives. enough, they got elected, and they kept their In my home State of Texas, a lot of people promise. And so you’ve got a lot of people rely solely on their Social Security check. getting ready to retire who are living longer And as we discuss Social Security, it’s im- portant for the people of Milwaukee to un- who are getting greater benefits, and fewer derstand and Wisconsin to understand that people paying into the system. this discussion we’re having really is not In 1950, there was, like, 15 workers to one about you, but it’s about your children and beneficiary. In other words, you had a lot your grandchildren, because I can look in the of workers relative to the number of bene- camera and say with absolute certainty, ‘‘If ficiaries. Today, there’s 3.3 workers per ben- you’re on Social Security today, nothing will eficiary. Relatively quickly, it will be two change. You will get your check.’’ The system workers per beneficiary—fewer people pay- is solvent enough—the system is solvent for ing greater benefits to a greater number of people born before 1950. people who are living longer.

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Now, secondly, Social Security is not a sav- act, we’re liable to saddle a younger genera- ings account. In my travels around the coun- tion of Americans with an 18-percent payroll try, I hear people say, ‘‘Why don’t you just tax to make good for the promises that you’ve give us the money back we put in?’’ But that’s made for me. And that’s not fair, and that’s not the way Social Security works. It’s a pay- not right. as-you-go system. You pay; we go ahead and And so I went in front of the Congress spend. [Laughter] You pay through payroll and said, ‘‘We got a problem.’’ I said it at taxes. We spend on paying for the bene- the State of the Union. I also told the leader- ficiaries, the retirees for that year. But if ship that I plan on campaigning on this issue, we’ve got any money left over, we didn’t save in other words traveling the country doing it for you. We spent it on Government. That’s exactly what we’re doing here, making it per- the way it works. It’s a pay-as-you-go. And fectly clear to the American people we have then there’s—all that’s left over is a file cabi- a problem. Guess what. They now know we net full of IOUs. I have seen the file cabinet got a problem. And that’s bad news for peo- in West Virginia firsthand, and I saw all the ple in Washington, DC, who would rather IOUs. But the system is not the kind of sys- do nothing, because once the people figure tem where we’re holding the money for you. out we got a problem, the next question That’s not the way it works. We’re spending they’re going to say to Members of the your money and left behind some paper that United States Congress is, ‘‘What do you in- can only be good if the Government decides tend to do about it?’’ to redeem the paper. That’s a pay-as-you-go Now, I have an obligation to do more than system. just say we got a problem. I’ve got an obliga- The pay-as-you-go system starts to go in tion to say, ‘‘Here’s some ideas that we got the red, because it’s going to pay out more to work on.’’ First, anything we do, we got in benefits than it collects in taxes, in 2017. to make sure that future generations receive That’s 12 years from now. If you’ve got a 6-year-old child, that will be about the time benefits equal to or greater than benefits en- your child starts to drive, if the driving age joyed by today’s seniors. I think that’s a rea- is 18 here in Wisconsin. In 2027—and by sonable principle. the way, the situation gets worse every year, Secondly, I believe that—I know we can fewer people paying in for more bene- solve a lot of the issue by embracing what’s ficiaries. In 2017, the system will be $200 called progressive indexing of benefits. It’s billion for that year in the red. I don’t know a long word, fancy words for this. Here’s what where they’re going to get the money. Every happens: The promises Congress has made year it gets worse. In 2032, it’s like $300 bil- says that your benefits will raise—rise based lion in the red. In 2041, it’s bust. upon wage increases. If you were to say to Now, if you’re a senior, you have nothing the upper income folks, ‘‘Your benefits will to worry about because it’s got plenty of raise—rise based upon inflation,’’ you’ve money for you. But if you’re a young worker, gone a long way to solving the solvency prob- a young entrepreneur, a young mom paying lem. It sounds simple, but it basically means into the system, you’re paying into a bankrupt that poor people won’t have to retire into system unless the United States Congress de- poverty, and the wealthier people in America cides to act. will get benefits that increase with the rate Now, I see a problem. I fully recognize of inflation—for people born prior to 1950— that some in Washington don’t see a prob- I mean, after 1950. lem. They’d rather kind of sweep this issue That progressive indexing plan does a cou- under the rug. But that’s not the job of the ple of things. One, I think it is an important President. The job of the President is to con- principle to say to somebody who has been front problems and not pass those problems working all their life in a hard job that you’re on to another President or another Congress not going to retire into poverty. America can or another generation. And I realize if we make that promise, and it’s a promise we don’t act, it’s going to cost $600 billion a year ought to make for people. It makes sense. because of inaction. And I realize if we don’t We want our people retiring with dignity.

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That’s one way to make the Social Security than 1.8 percent. A conservative mix of bonds system better. and stocks, you can get up to 7 or 8 percent. But it also makes sense to say to somebody Four percent—if you’re only in T-bills, you who doesn’t think they’re going to see any do better than 1.8 percent. And it’s that dif- benefits anyway, ‘‘You’re going to get bene- ference in interest that, over time, com- fits. They’re just not going to grow quite as pounds that means a lot. fast. They’ll grow. They’re going to be big- In other words, if you start setting aside ger—equal to or bigger than their previous money, with a decent rate of return, it grows generation. They’re just not going to be quite over time; it compounds. And it’s that power as big as the Government promised you— of compound interest which younger workers that politicians promised you. They’ll be big- ought to be allowed to take advantage of. But ger, but for the sake of solvency and perma- the system today doesn’t let them take advan- nency, if we don’t do this, you’re going to tage of that. be saddled with a $200-billion-a-year bill in So let me give you an example. If you’re 2027.’’ In other words, there’s a reasonable a 20-year-old mom earning $8 an hour over approach that I’m confident that Congress, the career and you’re allowed to take a third if it takes a look at, will see it is reasonable. of your payroll taxes and put it in a conserv- Now, we’ve got to come together and solve ative mix of bonds and stocks, by the time other problems to make sure we permanently that person retires, she would have a solve the issue. I keep saying ‘‘permanently’’ $100,000 nest egg. See, that’s the power of because I remember in 1983 when President compound interest. Reagan and Speaker O’Neill, in the spirit of Here’s another interesting example for bipartisanship, said, ‘‘We got a problem with you. Say you’ve got a child and that child Social Security,’’ and they came together and decides to become a police force [police- said, ‘‘We’re going to put out a 75-year fix.’’ man] *, marries a nurse. They’re in the work- The problem is, we’re now 22 years later, place in 2011, and they work their entire ca- and that 75-year fix didn’t stick. In other reers. They set aside money based upon the words, if we’re going to sit down at the table, average salary of a policeman and nurse. By let’s get it done forever. Let’s say to a young- the time they retired at 65, they would have er generation of Americans, we’re going to a $669,000 nest egg. permanently solve the Social Security issue That’s what money does when it grows. so you can grow up with peace of mind. That’s what happens, and people ought to I’m almost through. I think as we perma- be allowed to take advantage of that, if they nently fix the system, there’s an oppor- choose. The Government is not saying, ‘‘You tunity—I know there’s an opportunity to have to set up a personal retirement.’’ I fully make the system a better deal for younger understand some people might not feel com- workers. And so I’ve asked Congress to con- fortable about putting their money in bonds sider this idea: Younger workers ought to be and stocks. I know that. That’s why this is allowed to take some of their own payroll a personal savings account, a voluntary per- taxes, if they so choose, and set up a personal sonal account. Government is not saying, savings account. Some of the taxes will be ‘‘You must do this.’’ They’re saying, ‘‘If you in a—that they pay; after all, it’s their money so choose, you should be allowed to make that they’re paying—they ought to be al- that decision.’’ lowed to take some of their money and set And a lot of people are going to make that up a personal savings account. decision. You know why? The world has Here are the benefits for doing that. One, changed when it comes to investors. We’re the Government does a lousy job on getting about to talk to some young investors. I can a good rate of return on your money. As a assure you, when I was their age, I wasn’t matter of fact, people calculate that in the spending much time thinking about 401(k)s. Social Security system you earn about 1.8 They didn’t exist. There wasn’t a lot of talk percent on your money. That’s not a very about people running—you know, ‘‘How’s good deal. You see, if you have a personal savings account, you could do a lot better * White House correction.

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your IRA doing?’’ They didn’t exist. The in this deal. I’m sure you’ve heard people whole notion of people being—entrusting say, ‘‘Oh, Bush’s plan, it’s going to give Wall people with their money and watching it Street a windfall.’’ Wait a minute. There are grow is changing. The culture is changing. all kinds of public retirement funds that exist The investor class is no longer confined to around the country where the fee structures just a few people. The investor class is varied, are reasonable managed. You’ll be treated and we ought to have policies in place that fairly. encourage every American to become an Speaking about that, all kinds of retire- owner and investor and watch their assets ment systems around, I don’t know if you grow. know this or not, but the United States Con- Laura said, ‘‘Don’t get too long-winded,’’ gress took a look at this idea in what’s called but it’s not working. [Laughter] A couple of the Thrift Savings Plan. That’s the Federal other points I want to make. The system is savings plan. And they thought about maybe inherently unfair to some. If you and your giving somebody the option of putting their spouse are working and both of you contrib- money in a conservative mix of bonds and uting in the Social Security system and one stocks because they—the people who vote of you die early, when you turn 62, you get on that must have recognized the power of a choice to make. You can either take the compound interest. And guess what hap- benefits accrued in the Social Security sys- pened. They adopted a plan that says Mem- tem to you or to your husband but not both. bers of the United States Congress, if they Think about that. Somebody has worked so choose, can take some of their own money all their life, contributed to the system, dies and set it aside in a conservative portfolio early, and the money just disappears. That of bonds and stocks. Here’s my attitude doesn’t seem fair to me. That doesn’t seem about that—and it should be the attitude of fair to me that fellow Americans working all the American people—if setting aside money his or her life, contributing in the system, so it can grow better in a conservative mix and then dies early, and the surviving spouse of bonds and stocks is okay for United States gets a burial benefit and, at 62, gets the great- Senators, it ought to be okay for workers all er of the benefit structure but not both. It’s across America. not fair. If you allow a younger worker to Ready to go? I think we’re going to get set aside money and watch that asset base something done. I really do. I think the grow, you’re really saying, ‘‘If something bad American people understand we’ve got a happens to you, you can pass that asset on problem. I think seniors are now beginning to your surviving spouse.’’ I like the idea of to understand all the scare tactics, all the having—giving the capacity to a lot of people propaganda, is just that. And they’re going to be able to transfer assets from one genera- to get their checks. And finally, the final part tion to the next. That’s what America is of this equation is, there’s a lot of young about. Americans who are beginning to pay atten- Before we get to our panel, a couple of tion to this issue and say, ‘‘Wait a minute. other points. One, you can’t take your money I’m not contributing hard-earned money into and put it in the lottery. In other words, this a system that’s going broke, and I don’t like isn’t one of these deals where it’s a—you can what I hear, and I expect members of both take it and put it in high-flyers. This is a re- political parties to set aside their parties and tirement fund. This is a safety net. Therefore, focus on the good of the United States of there’s going to be a conservative mix of America.’’ bonds and stocks available for you to choose I want to thank you all for coming. First, from. You can mix it up between bonds and we’re going to start off with Jeff Brown. Jeff stocks and T-bills any way you want, but you is what we call an expert—right? cannot take your money to the track. In other Jeffrey R. Brown. I’ll take that descrip- words, it’s a safety net. There will be guide- tion. lines. The President. That’s right. Tell us what Secondly, there will be fee structures that you do. This isn’t the first time we’ve been are reasonable. Wall Street can’t rip you off together, by the way. He’s a fine lad.

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Dr. Brown. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. Kraft. Thank you, Mr. President. I’m a professor—I don’t know if I should The President. I asked the same question admit it here, but I’m at the University of to—OnMilwaukee.com. They added some Illinois. And—[laughter]. employees last year too. It’s a good sign, The President. He’s sensitive. [Laughter] young entrepreneurs taking risks, building businesses, and employing people. [At this point, Dr. Brown, assistant professor, Department of Finance, University of Illinois Now, Bobby, tell me—you’re here on So- at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, cial Security. made further remarks.] Mr. Kraft. Correct. The President. Why? Besides the fact you The President. Are students paying atten- got invited, and you wanted to see the art tion to the issue? museum. [Laughter] Dr. Brown. They certainly are after they Mr. Kraft. Before I got into printing, I get done with my classes. [Laughter] did have a short stint as an investment ad- The President. Thanks, Jeff. Thanks for viser. And the first thing I learned getting coming. into the industry and studying all the finan- I like to remind people, he’s a Ph.D., and cial books is that don’t count on Social Secu- I was a C student. [Laughter] I want you rity to be there. We take that same level of to take note of who’s the President and who’s education, and we teach our employees that the adviser. [Laughter] they need to take advantage of the 401(k) Right, Bobby? Bobby Kraft. Welcome, we put in place for them because of the fact, Bobby. the way the Social Security system is set up, Robert Kraft. Thank you, Mr. President. we cannot count on that to be here. The President. What do you do? The President. Yes, let me stop you. Mr. Kraft. I’m president and CEO of a Young guy sitting here in Milwaukee, Wis- printing and a mailing services company here consin, in front of the President, ‘‘Don’t in Milwaukee, First Edge Solutions. count on Social Security to be there.’’ A lot The President. Started it? of people feeling that way here in America. Mr. Kraft. Yes, 2 years ago. What I’m telling you is, if we can get the The President. Congratulations. Entre- United States Congress to listen to you, we preneurial spirit is strong. can put a plan in place to make sure Social Mr. Kraft. Thank you. I learned that from Security is there. my chairman over there, my dad. He—his Keep going, Bobby. company opened first; there are 450 employ- ees. Mr. Kraft. Keep going? The President. Great, fantastic. You and The President. It’s got to be a little de- your dad have got the same hairstyle, I no- pressing to be paying small-business rates, tice. [Laughter] small-business payroll taxes into a system Mr. Kraft. Absolutely. where you say, ‘‘It’s not going to be there.’’ The President. Yes. Sorry, Bobby. That’s not good Government—ask people to Mr. Kraft. It’s been tough. It’s been real work hard, pay a payroll tax, and have people tough. think—a lot of people think it’s not going The President. Yes, yes. [Laughter] Any- to be around. That’s the problem. That’s the way, how many employees you got? issue. If you’re a senior, you’re going to get Mr. Kraft. We have 20 full-time employ- your check. Bobby is a little worried about ees. his. The President. Good. Add any last year? Keep going. Mr. Kraft. Yes, we did. [Mr. Kraft made further remarks.] The President. Do you realize—it’s a little off the subject, but 70 percent of new jobs The President. I appreciate that. So in America are created by small-business en- Bobby just said he’s setting up a plan that trepreneurs. And I want to thank you, Bobby, says to his workers, you can watch your for being a small-business entrepreneur. money grow. In other words, we want you

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to have a retirement system called a 401(k). The President. Christy Paavola. Appreciate you setting it up. Christy Paavola. Yes. But part of what we’re talking about is an The President. College senior. educational process. I understand that. You Ms. Paavola. Yes, I am, at Concordia Uni- know, Bobby said some people going around versity, Wisconsin. the water cooler aren’t so sure they want to The President. Yes, actually, I’ve been take risks with the money. It’s managed risk. there. It’s certainly not an overwhelming risk. And Ms. Paavola. Yes? my attitude about that is, if you’re nervous The President. Yes. It’s a great place. about it, stay in the system. Stay in the system Ms. Paavola. We think so. as is. If not, you’ll get some Social Security The President. Beautiful campus. So benefits, but you’re also going to get the ben- when will you graduate? efit of owning your own money and watching Ms. Paavola. May 2006. it grow. And then when you retire, you’ll have The President. Got another year to go. a nest egg—by the way, a nest egg that Ms. Paavola. Yes. doesn’t end up in a file cabinet in West Vir- The President. Are you out of school ginia, a nest egg you call your own that the now? United States Government cannot take away Ms. Paavola. What? from you. The President. I mean, summer—a little Keep going, Bobby. summer break. Mr. Kraft. Okay, thank you. You know, Ms. Paavola. Yes. Yes, we just finished really the disheartening thing for us as em- Friday. ployers is talking to our employees who are working paycheck to paycheck at times and The President. Good. Well, congratula- telling them that the percentage of tax that’s tions. All A’s? being yanked from their check every time Ms. Paavola. Hopeful. is going really to nowhere, and they’re not The President. Yes—[laughter]—‘‘None able to grow it at all. And that’s not fun to of your business, Mr. President.’’ [Laughter] tell one of your employees that, that you can’t What would you like to do upon graduation? count on that. Because we prefer to work Ms. Paavola. I would like to teach in the on an optimistic basis, growing a company, Lutheran schools for the Lutheran Church, being entrepreneurial, you take risks and you Missouri Synod. understand how to mitigate them. But at the The President. Awesome. Yes, good. same time, when you know that part of your Wants to be a teacher. employees’ checks are going to be just going Ms. Paavola. Yes. really to something that you can’t count on, The President. Thanks for teaching. By there’s not a lot of confidence out there. the way, anybody who’s looking for a way to The President. I appreciate you. That’s contribute to society: Teach. And you don’t the problem. That’s the issue. It’s the issue have to be a classroom—you want to be a confronting people in the Democrat Party, classroom teacher? issue confronting people in the Republican Ms. Paavola. Correct. Party. And the fundamental question in The President. Yes. You can mentor a Washington, DC, is, is there the political will child, by the way. That’s teaching. You can to do what’s right, to answer the question help save a child’s life by teaching him or Bobby just brought up, and that is, how can her how to read. So I hope you do. Thanks you look a worker in the eye and say, ‘‘You’re for setting a good example. working hard. You’re contributing in a system Ms. Paavola. Thank you, Mr. President. that’s going bankrupt.’’ Now is the time to The President. So here you are, senior get after it and solve this problem once and in college, sitting right next to the President for all. of the United States. [Laughter] Bobby, thanks for coming. Very articulate. Ms. Paavola. Yes. [Laughter] Good luck in your business. Glad you’re here. The President. You got any thoughts Mr. Kraft. Thank you, Mr. President. about Social Security?

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Ms. Paavola. Yes. I don’t think it’s going Ms. Paavola. Thank you. to be there when I retire, which is really The President. Andrea Marton, welcome. scary. Andrea Marton. Thank you. It’s an honor The President. Interesting, isn’t it? They to be here, Mr. President. took a survey amongst youngsters. Somebody The President. Andrea, just a little bit explained to me, I didn’t actually watch— about yourself. see the survey, but I heard what the person Ms. Marton. Well, first of all, I’m assistant said. He said more people are—that are director at a preschool in Germantown, Rain- Christy’s age think they’re more likely to see bows End. a UFO than get a Social Security check. The President. Good. Got a child? [Laughter] Pretty frightening when you think Ms. Marton. Yes, I do. He’s three, and about the fact that a lot of young people are it’s one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had to going to be putting a lot of money into a do. system that may not be around. So we’re sit- The President. Yes. Listen, Andrea is a ting here with a senior in college saying, ‘‘I single mom. Being a single mom is the hard- don’t think the system is going to be around.’’ est job in America. And I want to thank you Got anything else you want to say? for being a good mom. So you go to work. Ms. Paavola. I really like the idea of per- How is it? sonal savings accounts. I like the fact that Ms. Marton. I love it. I love being with I have control over my money, and I have kids. I love improving the future, and they the assurance of knowing that that money are the future. will be there when I retire. The President. You bet. The President. Yes, thanks. That’s a pretty Ms. Marton. I come from a long line of sophisticated point of view for a college sen- teachers. ior. I appreciate it. I hope people your age The President. Do you really? are paying attention to the issue. Ms. Marton. Yes. Both my parents are Ms. Paavola. Hopefully. It’s an important teachers, and my grandfather was a teacher. issue. The President. Are they here? The President. It’s a huge issue. It’s a Ms. Marton. Yes, they are—my parents. huge issue when you think about working Yes, they are. hard and putting payroll tax into a system The President. Right here in the audi- that’s going broke. Imagine that. Just say we ence? just started anew, and I say, ‘‘All of you who Ms. Marton. Yes, over there. want to contribute hard-earned money to a Mr. Marton. You’re doing great, Andrea! system that will be broke within 20 years, The President. What did he say? please raise your hand.’’ Not a lot of contrib- Ms. Marton. I’m doing great. utors. You don’t have the choice. But we’ve The President. I’m not going to comment got a choice in Washington to do something about your hair. [Laughter] Thanks for com- about it. That’s what the choice is, and I in- ing. tend—[applause]. So, tell me, the Social Security issue inter- Now is your chance. All kinds of cameras. ests you? [Laughter] Ms. Marton. Yes. Well, being a single mother and part of the working poor, it’s very [Ms. Paavola made further remarks.] important for me to have something to rely The President. There you go. Well, I ap- on. And with the current system in place, preciate you coming. we look down the road and it’s not going to Ms. Paavola. Thank you very much. be there. And if it is there, it’s going to be The President. You did a heck of a job. real slim. You deserve an ‘‘A.’’ You’ll have to carry it The President. You paying payroll taxes? over for next year, though. Ms. Marton. Oh, you better believe it. Ms. Paavola. Okay. [Laughter] The President. Good job. Thanks for The President. Do you feel it? coming. Ms. Marton. I don’t see it.

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The President. But you feel it. The President. It’s like one of these cou- Ms. Marton. Oh, yes. ple talk show things, you know. [Laughter] The President. Well, you see why—you What’s your favorite color? Anyway—[laugh- see what would have been and what wasn’t ter]. when you get your check stub, right? Mr. Bruins. We live in Brandon, Wis- Ms. Marton. Right, right, right. So, for consin. I’m a dairy farmer. I’m a partner with me, to have the option and the choice to put both my brother, John, and my dad, Bill, my money into something that I will see in which you met last year. the future, you know, is just great. The President. Yes. The President. Yes, see, it’s an interesting Mr. Bruins. And my uncle, Cal. And the thought, isn’t it? A single mom sitting here name of the farm is Homeland Dairy. We saying she wants to be—have the opportunity milk about 500 cows. And—— to take some of her payroll taxes—you called The President. What’s your job? yourself the working poor? Mr. Bruins. I take care of the cows. I’m Ms. Marton. Yes, I did. the herdsman. The President. Well, I hope that doesn’t The President. Herdsman, good. stay that way. Keep working. Mr. Bruins. So any breeding and repro- Ms. Marton. I hope not, either. duction and calves and anything dealing with The President. Yes. But the point is, is the cattle is what I take care of. that this issue affects people from all walks The President. Good, good. of life, all income levels. But how about— Mr. Bruins. And personnel, I guess, I get I gave the example of a single mom working into sometimes too. To all the 15 employees, an $8 job all her life and is able to put aside they keep you on your toes. a third of her payroll taxes and watch it grow The President. That’s good. It’s a good- in a reasonable rate of return. That person size operation? will end up with $100,000, coupled with a Mr. Bruins. Yes, very—it’s a very good- Social Security system that will have her ben- size operation. efits grow with wages. The President. Great. Tonya, you work? And see—and then all of a sudden, Andrea Mrs. Bruins. Yes, I work at the National is sitting there with $100,000 as part of her Bank of Waupan. I’m in the bookkeeping de- retirement plan that she can do with what- partment there, and I also take care of all ever she wants. In other words, you can use the ACH processing for the bank. it for your retirement or drop it on the little The President. Good. So you’re familiar one. with finances? Ms. Marton. Exactly, and that’s—— Mrs. Bruins. Right. The President. The little guy. The President. Give me your thoughts on Ms. Marton. Yes, Angelo is a big part of Social Security. Dairy farmer sitting there— my life, and I want to make sure that not I can presume dairy farmers think about So- only my future is secure but his as well. And cial Security. with this plan, I believe that it is a great op- Mr. Bruins made further remarks. tion to put my money into a fund that will [ ] earn interest and will be there, and for the The President. We’ve got a farmer right next 40 to 50 years that I work, I’m going here, with his wife, Tonya, set up an IRA. to see it, because I deserve it. It’s pretty interesting, isn’t it? In other words, The President. There you go. I couldn’t this notion about investing—people watching have said it better myself. Thanks for coming. their money is pretty well filtering through Okay, finally, we’ve got Joel and Tonya most of society. ‘‘Roth’’ is kind of a fancy Bruins. word for dealing with tax going in and com- Tonya Bruins. Hello. ing out, right? The President. Fine, fine. Where do you Mr. Bruins. Right. all live? The President. Anyway, so, you all watch Joel Bruins. Are you going to do the talk- your investments grow? ing or do you want me to? [Laughter] Mr. Bruins. We watch them, yes, we do.

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The President. Make the decision? you pay attention to the decision Govern- Mr. Bruins. Yes, we have made the deci- ment makes. It is, to me, a healthy America sions on it. when more people are able to say, ‘‘I’m The President. Tonya, do you want to say watching my own assets.’’ I like it when more something? Americans are owning their own home, own- Mrs. Bruins. I’m also—my profit sharing ing their own business, and managing their plan at the bank allows me to control where own retirement plans. It’s good for this coun- I—what funds I want to put my—— try to have that kind of—[applause]. The President. So you’ve got choices? You’ve got the mic. How does it work? Mrs. Bruins. Right, yes. We’ve got 15 dif- [Mr. Bruins made further remarks.] ferent funds we can choose to invest in. You know, if we want to keep it high risk or low The President. Yes, I appreciate that. By risk, it’s our decision. the way, one way to make sure families stay The President. Yes, see, it’s an interesting on the farm is to insist that the United States idea, isn’t it? The bank she works for, a little Congress get rid of the death tax forever. country bank, says, ‘‘Wait a minute, we’re Listen, I hope you’ve enjoyed this as much going to trust our employees to be able to as I. I want to thank you all for coming. Good make a decision with their own money about job. I’m just beginning this debate. I’m going what to put the money in, 15 different op- to spend whatever time it takes to continue tions.’’ Was it hard to learn about how to traveling this country and make it absolutely do that? clear to the people, we’ve got a problem. Mrs. Bruins. They keep us very well-in- I will continue to reassure seniors who are formed. They have people that come in every counting on their Social Security check, you year and advisers we can talk to and learn have nothing to worry about. You’re going from them. to get your check. I don’t care what the mail- The President. Yes, we do—there are ers say, what the advertisements say. You will some pockets of financial illiteracy in our get your check. That’s the pledge this Gov- country, but there’s nothing like solving fi- ernment has made, and it’s a pledge we’ll nancial illiteracy when you’re watching— keep. when you’re making decisions for your own money. You start asking questions; there’s ad- And I’m going to continue reminding visers, there’s people around to help you youngsters that they need to get involved in make a rational decision what to do with your this issue because if the United States Con- own money. And a good way to learn is when gress does not act, we have saddled a young you’re watching your own money grow. generation with an incredible burden. And And so you get, what, quarterly statements, I don’t think that’s right. I think now is the monthly statements? time for people in Washington, DC, to set Mrs. Bruins. Quarterly. aside partisanship and come together and The President. Quarterly statements? solve this issue one time and for all, for the Mrs. Bruins. Yes. good of the United States of America. The President. Open it right up, sit down Thank you all for coming, and God bless. at the kitchen table and say, ‘‘Look at the— look what’s happening here.’’ NOTE: The President spoke at 11:25 a.m. at the Mrs. Bruins. Yes. We also have the option Milwaukee Art Museum. In his remarks, he re- to change funds whenever we want to. We ferred to Dennis Kuester, chairman, and Tim can check them online at any time as well. Sheehy, president, Metro Milwaukee Association The President. Sure. Think about that, of Commerce; David Gordon, director and chief though. It sounds pretty simple, but isn’t it— executive officer, Milwaukee Art Museum; and doesn’t it make sense to have people from Jeff Sherman, co-owner and president, and Andy all walks of life opening up a quarterly state- Tarnoff, co-owner and publisher, ment to watch their assets? It certainly makes OnMilwaukee.com.

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Proclamation 7903—National Safe the Independence of the United States of Boating Week, 2005 America the two hundred and twenty-ninth. May 19, 2005 George W. Bush

By the President of the United States [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, of America 11:04 a.m., May 20, 2005] A Proclamation NOTE: This proclamation was published in the Recreational boating has grown into one Federal Register on May 23. of our Nation’s most popular pastimes, and as the summer approaches, millions of Amer- icans will enjoy our country’s beautiful wa- Proclamation 7904—National ters. During National Safe Boating Week, we Maritime Day, 2005 highlight our Nation’s commitment to mak- May 19, 2005 ing recreational boating safer. The number of boating fatalities has de- By the President of the United States creased over the last decade. By promoting of America the use of appropriate safety measures, we can save more lives and further reduce the A Proclamation number of injuries caused by boating acci- America’s merchant mariners make our dents. The U.S. Coast Guard and others rec- Nation more secure and our economy strong- ommend four guidelines for safe boating: er. Throughout our history, they have pro- wear properly fitted life jackets; get vessels moted commerce and protected our free- checked for safety; never boat under the in- dom. On National Maritime Day, we honor fluence of alcohol or drugs; and get proper the dedicated service of the United States training about the safe operation of boats. Merchant Marine. By adhering to these simple suggestions, Each year, the men and women of the U.S. boaters can keep themselves and others safe maritime transportation system move more as they enjoy our Nation’s waterways. than 2 billion tons of cargo along our water- In recognition of the importance of safe ways and across the open seas. Many of the boating practices, the Congress, by joint res- raw materials Americans purchase are trans- olution approved June 4, 1958 (36 U.S.C. ported by merchant vessels, and merchant 131), as amended, has authorized and re- mariners ship agricultural products and fin- quested the President to proclaim annually ished goods in and out of the United States the 7-day period prior to Memorial Day every day. weekend as ‘‘National Safe Boating Week.’’ Merchant mariners have also served in Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, every conflict in our Nation’s history. The President of the United States of America, U.S. Merchant Marine helps provide our Na- do hereby proclaim May 21 through May 27, tion’s Armed Forces with crucial supplies 2005, as National Safe Boating Week. I en- and equipment. These brave men and courage the Governors of the 50 States and women demonstrate courage, love of coun- the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and offi- try, and devotion to duty, and we especially cials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction honor those who have made the ultimate sac- of the United States, to join in observing this rifice in defense of our Nation. The United week. I also urge all Americans to learn more States is safer and the world is more peaceful about safe boating practices, wear life jackets, because of the work of our merchant mari- take advantage of boating safety programs ners, and we are grateful for their service. throughout the year, and always engage in In recognition of the importance of the proper and responsible conduct while on the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by water. joint resolution approved on May 20, 1933, In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set as amended, has designated May 22 of each my hand this nineteenth day of May, in the year as ‘‘National Maritime Day,’’ and has year of our Lord two thousand five, and of authorized and requested that the President

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issue an annual proclamation calling for its soever arising from or related to the sale or appropriate observance. marketing thereof. Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, On August 28, 2003, in Executive Order President of the United States of America, 13315, I expanded the scope of this national do hereby proclaim May 22, 2005, as Na- emergency to block the property of the tional Maritime Day. I call upon the people former Iraqi regime, its senior officials and of the United States to celebrate this observ- their family members as the removal of Iraqi ance and to display the flag of the United property from that country by certain senior States at their homes and in their commu- officials of the former Iraqi regime and their nities. I also request that all ships sailing immediate family members constitutes an under the American flag dress ship on that obstacle to the orderly reconstruction of Iraq, day. the restoration and maintenance of peace In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set and security in the country, and the develop- my hand this nineteenth day of May, in the ment of political, administrative, and eco- year of our Lord two thousand five, and of nomic institutions in Iraq. the Independence of the United States of On July 29, 2004, in Executive Order America the two hundred and twenty-ninth. 13350, I amended the Annex to Executive Order 13315 to include certain persons de- George W. Bush termined to have been subject to economic [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, sanctions pursuant to Executive Orders 11:04 a.m., May 20, 2005] 12722 and 12724. Because of their associa- tion with the prior Iraqi regime, I deter- NOTE: This proclamation was published in the mined that these persons present an obstacle Federal Register on May 23. to the orderly reconstruction of Iraq, the res- toration and maintenance of peace and secu- rity in that country, and the development of Notice—Continuation of the political, administrative, and economic insti- National Emergency Protecting the tutions in Iraq and, therefore, such persons Development Fund for Iraq and should be subject to sanctions under Execu- Certain Other Property in Which tive Order 13315. Iraq Has an Interest Executive Order 13350 also amended Ex- May 19, 2005 ecutive Order 13290 of March 20, 2003, in which, consistent with section 203(a)(1)(C) On May 22, 2003, by Executive Order of IEEPA, 50 U.S.C. 1702(a)(1)(C), I or- 13303, I declared a national emergency pro- dered that certain blocked funds held in the tecting the Development Fund for Iraq and United States in accounts in the name of the certain other property in which Iraq has an Government of Iraq, the Central Bank of interest, pursuant to the International Emer- Iraq, Rafidain Bank, Rasheed Bank, or the gency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. State Organization for Marketing Oil be con- 1701–1706) (IEEPA). I took this action to fiscated and vested in the Department of the deal with the unusual and extraordinary Treasury. I originally exercised these authori- threat to the national security and foreign ties pursuant to Executive Order 12722. In policy of the United States posed by the ob- light of the changed circumstances in Iraq stacles to the orderly reconstruction of Iraq, and my decision to terminate the national the restoration and maintenance of peace emergency declared in Executive Order and security in the country, and the develop- 12722, I determined that the exercise of au- ment of political, administrative, and eco- thorities in Executive Order 13290 should nomic institutions in Iraq constituted by the continue in order to address the national threat of attachment or other judicial process emergency declared in Executive Order against the Development Fund for Iraq, Iraqi 13303 of May 22, 2003, as expanded in scope petroleum and petroleum products, and in- in Executive Order 13315 of August 28, terests therein, and proceeds, obligations, or 2003, regarding the obstacles posed to the any financial instruments of any nature what- orderly reconstruction of Iraq. Executive

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Order 13350 amends Executive Order 13290 NOTE: This notice was published in the Federal to that effect. Register on May 20. On November 29, 2004, in Executive Order 13364, I modified the scope of this national emergency to address the unusual Message to the Congress on and extraordinary threat to the national secu- Continuation of the National rity and foreign policy of the United States Emergency Protecting the posed by the threat of attachment or other Development Fund for Iraq and judicial process against the Central Bank of Certain Other Property in Which Iraq. I also determined that, consistent with Iraq Has an Interest United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1483 and 1546, the steps taken in Executive May 19, 2005 Order 13303 to deal with this national emer- gency need to be limited so that such steps To the Congress of the United States: do not apply with respect to any final judg- Section 202(d) of the National Emer- ment arising out of a contractual obligation gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for entered into by the Government of Iraq, in- the automatic termination of a national emer- cluding any agency or instrumentality there- gency unless, prior to the anniversary date of, after June 30, 2004, and so that, with re- of its declaration, the President publishes in spect to Iraqi petroleum and petroleum the Federal Register and transmits to the products and interests therein, such steps Congress a notice stating that the emergency shall apply only until title passes to the initial is to continue in effect beyond the anniver- purchaser. sary date. In accordance with this provision, Because the obstacles to the orderly recon- I have sent the enclosed notice to the Federal struction of Iraq, the restoration and mainte- Register for publication. This notice states nance of peace and security in the country, that the national emergency declared in Ex- and the development of political, administra- ecutive Order 13303 of May 22, 2003, as ex- tive, and economic institutions in Iraq con- panded in scope by Executive Order 13315 tinue to pose an unusual and extraordinary of August 28, 2003, modified in Executive threat to the national security and foreign Order 13350 of July 29, 2004, and further policy of the United States, the national modified in Executive Order 13364 of No- emergency declared on May 22, 2003, and vember 29, 2004, is to continue in effect be- the measures adopted on that date, August yond May 22, 2005. The most recent notice 28, 2003, July 29, 2004, and November 29, continuing this emergency was published in 2004, to deal with that emergency must con- the Federal Register on May 21, 2004 (69 tinue in effect beyond May 22, 2005. There- FR 29409). fore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the The threats of attachment or other judicial National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. process against (i) the Development Fund 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the na- for Iraq, (ii) Iraqi petroleum and petroleum tional emergency protecting the Develop- products, and interests therein, and pro- ment Fund for Iraq and certain other prop- ceeds, obligations, or any financial instru- erty in which Iraq has an interest. ments of any nature whatsoever arising from This notice shall be published in the Fed- or related to the sale or marketing thereof, eral Register and transmitted to the Con- or (iii) any accounts, assets, investments, or gress. any other property of any kind owned by, belonging to, or held by, on behalf of, or oth- George W. Bush erwise for the Central Bank of Iraq create obstacles to the orderly reconstruction of The White House, Iraq, the restoration and maintenance of May 19, 2005. peace and security in the country, and the development of political, administrative, and [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, economic institutions in Iraq. Accordingly, 2:45 p.m., May 19, 2005] these obstacles continue to pose an unusual

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and extraordinary threat to the national secu- new one-liners. [Laughter] But in fact, she’s rity and foreign policy of the United States. winging her way to Jordan and Egypt and For these reasons, I have determined that Israel to spread the freedom agenda. But I it is necessary to continue the national emer- know if she were here, she would join me gency protecting the Development Fund for in thanking you and millions of others whom Iraq, certain other property in which Iraq has we’ll never get to say thanks to in person an interest, and the Central Bank of Iraq, for the countless prayers. It’s an amazing ex- and to maintain in force the sanctions to re- perience to be the President of a nation spond to this threat. where strangers from all religions pray for George W. Bush me and Laura. And I will tell you, it gives The White House, me such peace of mind and enables me to May 19, 2005. do my job much better when I’m lifted up in prayer. Thank you for your prayers. I want to thank Leonard Leo for his kind Message to the Congress introduction. I want to thank Joe Cella, the Transmitting the ‘‘2005 president of the National Catholic Prayer Comprehensive Report on U.S. Breakfast. I want to thank His Eminence Trade and Investment Policy Toward Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. What a fine Sub-Saharan Africa and man; what a beacon of hope. His Eminence Implementation of the African shines brightly in the Nation’s Capital. Growth and Opportunity Act’’ I appreciate Archbishop Chaput of Den- May 19, 2005 ver. Thank you for being here, sir. I apologize to him for not being able to listen to his ad- To the Congress of the United States: dress. He said, ‘‘We’re paying you a lot of Consistent with title I of the Trade and money. Get back to work.’’ [Laughter] Fortu- Development Act of 2000, I am providing nately, he didn’t say, ‘‘We’re paying you too a report prepared by my Administration, the much money. Get back to work.’’ [Laughter] ‘‘2005 Comprehensive Report on U.S. Trade I appreciate Archbishop Gomez from the and Investment Policy Toward Sub-Saharan great State of Texas. Sister, thank you very Africa and Implementation of the African much. Admiral, thank you very much, sir. Growth and Opportunity Act.’’ Carl Anderson, the Supreme—Knights of George W. Bush Columbus, is with us today. Carl, thank you The White House, for your friendship. May 19, 2005. The Catholic contribution to American freedom goes back to the founding of our country. In 1790, a newly inaugurated Remarks at the National Catholic George Washington, the first George W.— Prayer Breakfast [laughter]—addressed a letter to all Catho- May 20, 2005 lics in America. He assured them that ‘‘your Thank you for that warm reception, espe- fellow citizens will not forget the patriotic cially for a Methodist. [Laughter] It’s an part which you took in the accomplishment honor to be here at the Second Annual Na- of their revolution.’’ I’m honored to stand be- tional Catholic Prayer Breakfast. This is a fore you to offer my gratitude for the work new tradition, yet its promises are timeless American Catholic sons and daughters are for Catholic Americans, to thank the Lord doing for our Nation. This work includes the for the blessing of freedom, to renew our incredible acts of compassion through our shared dedication to this great republic, and faith-based institutions that help Americans to pray that America uses the gift of freedom in need, especially the Catholic schools that to build a culture of life. educate millions of our fellow citizens and I am sorry that Laura is not here. You deliver hope to inner-city children of all probably think she’s preparing a couple of faiths.

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This morning we first thank God for the stairs and they turned to show the casket to shared blessings of American liberty. Catho- the millions that were there, that just as the lics have always known that a society built casket crests, the sun shown for all to see. on respect for the religious beliefs of others The best way to honor this great champion would be a land where they could achieve of human freedom is to continue to build and prosper. a culture of life where the strong protect the When the French writer de Tocqueville weak. So today I ask the prayers of all Catho- visited these shores back in the 1830s, he lics for America’s continued trust in God’s noted that the most democratic country in purpose, for the wisdom to do what’s right, the world was also the one where the Catho- and for the strength and the conviction that lic religion was making the most progress. so long as America remains faithful to its He called Catholics the most faithful believ- founding truths, America will always be free. ers in our land, yet also the most independent Thank you for allowing me to come. May of citizens—[laughter]—as I’ve learned from God bless you all, and may God continue to dealing with Senator Santorum. [Laughter] bless America. This morning we also reaffirm that free- dom rests on the self-evident truths about human dignity. Pope Benedict XVI recently NOTE: The President spoke at 8:42 a.m. at the warned that when we forget these truths, we Washington Hilton Hotel. In his remarks, he re- risk sliding into a dictatorship of relativism ferred to Leonard Leo, member of the board of where we can no longer defend our values. directors, National Catholic Prayer Breakfast; Catholics and non-Catholics alike can take Theodore E. Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop of heart in the man who sits on the chair of Washington; Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Denver; Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of San Anto- Saint Peter, because he speaks with affection nio; Rear Adm. Louis V. Iasiello, USN, chief of about the American model of liberty rooted Navy chaplins; and Carl A. Anderson, supreme in moral conviction. knight, Knights of Columbus. The Office of the This morning we pray for the many Catho- Press Secretary also released a Spanish language lics who serve America in the cause of free- transcript of these remarks. dom. One of them is an Army Chaplain named Tim Vakoc. He’s a beloved priest who was seriously wounded in Iraq last May. We Remarks Prior to Discussions With pray for his recovery; we’re inspired by his Prime Minister Anders Fogh sacrifice. In the finest tradition of American Rasmussen of Denmark and an chaplains, he once told his sister, ‘‘The safest Exchange With Reporters place for me to be is in the center of God’s will, and if that is in the line of fire, that’s May 20, 2005 where I’ll be.’’ Father Tim’s sister, Anita President Bush. The Prime Minister and Brand, and her family are with us today, and a grateful nation expresses our gratitude to I will be glad to answer two questions per a brave reverend. side. Catholics have made sacrifices throughout First, Mr. Prime Minister, welcome back. American history because they understand It is so wonderful to see you. He’s a good that freedom is a divine gift that carries with friend of mine. Denmark is a good friend it serious responsibilities. Among the greatest of America. I appreciate your contributions of these responsibilities is protecting the to transatlantic ties. The Prime Minister has most vulnerable members of our society. made very constructive and helpful com- That was the message that Pope John Paul ments to make sure that the transatlantic ties II proclaimed so tirelessly throughout his between the United States and Europe are own life, and it explains the remarkable out- strong. And I want to thank you for your lead- pouring of love for His Holiness at the fu- ership role. neral mass that Laura and I were privileged I also appreciate your clear understanding to attend in Rome. It explains why when the about the historic times in which we live, men were carrying his wooden casket up the times in which more and more people are

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becoming free. I appreciate your strong sup- prisoners held by American military around port for those who desire to live in a democ- the world, and also the perception abroad racy in Iraq. I thank you for your contribu- that the ones that are paying for it are low- tions to a new democracy called Afghanistan. ranking soldiers but that nobody higher up I thank you for your very constructive work is taking any responsibility? in helping the Palestinians develop a demo- President Bush. I think the world ought cratic state that can live side by side with to be—pay attention to the contrast between Israel in peace. a society which was run by a brutal tyrant So welcome back. It’s good to see you, sir. in which there was no transparency and a Prime Minister Rasmussen. Thank you society in which the whole world watches a very much, Mr. President. I’m delighted to Government find the facts, lay the facts out be back in Washington. It’s my fourth visit for the citizens to see, and that punishment, as Prime Minister, which underlines that the when appropriate, be delivered. United States and Denmark are close friends If I’m not mistaken, I think about over 20 and allies. We share the same fundamental percent of the people thus far that have been values. We are allied in our efforts to pro- held to account as a result of the Abu Ghraib mote freedom and democracy worldwide. issue have been officers. There have been And I’m happy to say, in addition to this, over, I think, nine investigations, eight or that I appreciate very much your straight- nine investigations by independent investiga- forward style. I consider you a friend, and tors that have made the reports very public. I know that with you, I’ll always have a very I’m comfortable that we’re getting to the bot- frank discussion and exchange of views. So tom of the situation, and I know we’re doing I’m happy to be back. so in a transparent way. Obviously, ours is President Bush. Fortunately, he’s not that a country that respects human rights and good a friend that I would go running with human dignity, and if those rights and dignity him. [Laughter] He’s one of the best runners have been denied, we will hold people to ac- in the world, amongst the world leaders. He’s count. a good one. Steve [Steve Holland, Reuters]. Deb [Deb Riechmann, Associated Press]. Stem Cell Research Motivation of Terrorists Q. Mr. President, on stem cells, specifi- Q. Sir, are you worried that the publication cally, would you veto legislation that loosened of the Saddam photo, along with the News- the requirement on Federal funding for stem week story, will further inflame tensions and cell research? And secondly—— inspire the Iraq insurgency and anti-Ameri- President Bush. Deb—— canism in the Middle East? Q. ——what is your reaction to the news President Bush. I think the Iraq insur- about the South Koreans on embryonic—— gency is inspired by their desire to stop the President Bush. I’m—first, I’m very con- march of freedom. Remember, these are cerned about cloning. I worry about a world ideologs of—that murder innocent people in in which cloning becomes acceptable. Sec- order to spread their dark vision of hate. And ondly, I made my position very clear on em- therefore, when light begins to show up in bryonic stem cells. I’m a strong supporter of the form of democracy, it frightens them. adult stem cell research, of course. But I There is no future for these haters in a free made it very clear to the Congress that the world. And so they’re inspired by the fact use of Federal money, taxpayers’ money to that they see democracy emerging in Iraq. promote science which destroys life in order That’s what causes them to want to kill. to save life is—I’m against that. And there- They’re frightened by the fact—and inspired fore, if the bill does that, I will veto it. the wrong way, by the way—by the fact that Afghanistan is free. They’re seeing the peo- Investigations of Prisoner Abuse ple in Lebanon demand free and fair elec- Q. Mr. President, how do you react to the tions. And their ideology cannot survive in continuing reports about mistreatment of a democratic society. See, the only way they

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can survive is to—is to try to shake our will ground think that the Iraqis are able to take by killing innocent life. the fight to the enemy. And that’s why our strategy in Iraq is to I just got off of a video—which I’m looking train the Iraqis so that they, themselves, can to briefing the Prime Minister on—with fight off these terrorists. Listen, 81⁄2 million General Casey, who is our general on the people went to the polls, in spite of the fact ground; he’s the commander of the coalition that the—people had been killed and there forces. And he was describing to us the Iraqi was incredible intimidation. And they defied training and the quality of training. And some the bombers. These people want to be free, units are in really good shape, and other units and the killers don’t want them to be free. need additional work. But one of the things And so our strategy is to help the Iraqis real- that’s important to understand is the Iraqi ize the dream of a free society. And when Government understands that as civilian gov- the Iraqi troops are properly trained—and ernments change, there needs to be stability we’re headed in that direction—of course it in the military and a chain of command that will take less of a coalition effort to help this links top to bottom. And General Casey new democracy get started. knows we’re making progress toward estab- Yes, Steve. lishing that chain of command. Q. What about the Saddam photo? Does My answer to the Danish people is, as soon that have any—— as we can possibly get it done. We’ve got President Bush. Well, you asked me to complete the mission. A free Iraq in the whether or not that would inspire people. midst of the Middle East is going to be a You know, I don’t think a photo inspires mur- powerful—a powerful agent for peace. derers. I think they’re inspired by an ideology Listen, thank you all for coming. that is so barbaric and backwards that it’s Q. One more? hard for many in the Western world to com- President Bush. We don’t want to break prehend how they think. But I would just precedent. Was that you, Mark [Mark remind people, if you want to know how Knoller, CBS Radio], who asked that? ideologically grim their vision of the world Q. It was. is, just remember the Taliban. They said, ‘‘If President Bush. No. [Laughter] You you don’t agree with our religious views, know better than that. you’ll be prosecuted. If you’re a woman who seeks freedom, you’ll be beaten.’’ So these NOTE: The President spoke at 10:48 a.m. in the people are motivated by a vision of the world Oval Office at the White House. In his remarks, that is backward and barbaric. he referred to former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; and Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., USA, commanding general, Multi-National Force— Timetable for Troop Withdrawal From Iraq. A tape was not available for verification of Iraq the content of these remarks. Q. Mr. President, while the Danish people might support the war and appreciate the progress in Iraq, they’re also curious when Remarks Prior to Discussions With our soldiers will come back home. Can you Prime Minister Konstandinos elaborate on that? Karamanlis of Greece President Bush. Well, I appreciate that May 20, 2005 question a lot, and of course I get asked that in our own country a lot. And my answer President Bush. Thank you all for com- is, it makes no sense to set a timetable. And ing. It’s my pleasure to welcome the Prime the reason why is, is because it will allow Minister back. It’s good to see you, sir. an enemy to adjust. America and Greece have got a strategic On the other hand, as I tell our folks, is partnership. That’s important. It’s important that we would like to get our troops out as for our respective peoples, and it’s important quickly as possible. And the definition of that we work together to spread freedom and will be how soon our commanders on the peace.

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I want to welcome you here. Last time you ing. The tide of freedom is spreading across were here, we were talking about the Olym- the globe, and it will reach Cuban shores. pics. I told the Prime Minister I was con- No tyrant can stand forever against the power fident that the Government would make sure of liberty because the hope of freedom is the Olympics were secure. I was so confident found in every heart. I sent my family. And not only did you keep This milestone is an opportunity to cele- your word, my parents and my—some of my brate the Cuban culture and the many con- relatives had a fabulous time in a spectacular tributions Cuban Americans have made to country. the United States. By sharing your proud his- I look forward to visiting with you on a tory with all Americans, you enrich our soci- variety of subjects, the freedom agenda, free- ety and contribute to the diversity that makes dom in the greater Middle East, the Balkans. our Nation great. I look forward to talking to you about how May God bless the Cuban people. best we can work together to continue to George W. Bush spread liberty. So I’m proud you’re here, and welcome to the United States. NOTE: An original was not available for Prime Minister Karamanlis. Well, it’s verification of the content of this message. my second visit with President Bush within almost a year. And I’m happy to say that this reflects the excellent bilateral relations we have and, of course, our determination to further our partnership to promote the areas Digest of Other of mutual interest, the common goals we White House Announcements have. And I think that it’s going to be the outcome of this meeting as well to keep working closely in matters which are very im- The following list includes the President’s public schedule and other items of general interest an- portant to both of us in both countries. nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and President Bush. Good man. Thank you not included elsewhere in this issue. all.

NOTE: The President spoke at 1:14 p.m. in the May 14 Oval Office at the White House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these In the morning, at Camp David, MD, the remarks. President had an intelligence briefing. May 15 Message on the Observance of In the morning, the President and Mrs. Cuban Independence Day, 2005 Bush returned to Washington, DC. May 20, 2005 May 16 I send greetings to those celebrating the In the morning, the President had an intel- 103rd anniversary of Cuban Independence. ligence briefing. Freedom is the birthright of all mankind. Later in the morning, the President trav- Leaders across the Americas understand that eled to West Point, VA, where he partici- the hope for peace in our world depends on pated in a tour of the Virginia BioDiesel re- the unity of free nations. America’s contin- finery. ued support of democratic institutions, con- In the afternoon, the President returned stitutional processes, and basic liberties gives to Washington, DC. hope and strength to those struggling in our hemisphere to reclaim the rule of law and May 17 their God-given rights. As we observe Cuba’s In the morning, the President had a tele- independence today, we look forward to the phone conversation with former Prime Min- day when Cuba is free, and my Administra- ister Ayad Allawi of the Iraqi Interim Gov- tion supports efforts to hasten that day’s com- ernment to thank him for his service and to

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discuss the situation in Iraq. He then had May 18 an intelligence briefing. In the morning, the President had an intel- Later in the morning, in the Oval Office, ligence briefing. He then met in the Oval the President met with former President Office with Secretary of Defense Donald H. Nelson Mandela of South Africa. He then Rumsfeld. met with Secretary of State Condoleezza Later in the morning, in the Oval Office, Rice. the President met with Prime Minister In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the Ahmed Mohamed Nazif of Egypt. President met with judicial nominees Pris- In the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, cilla R. Owen and Janice Rogers Brown. the President met with Republican Members Later, in the Rose Garden, he participated of the House of Representatives to discuss in a photo opportunity with a group from legislative priorities. the Sunshine Kids Foundation. He then had Later in the afternoon, the President a briefing on the national economy. dropped by a meeting with members of a The White House announced that the coalition from the Dominican Republic sup- President will welcome President Mahmoud porting passage of the Central American Abbas (Abu Mazen) of the Palestinian Au- Free Trade Agreement. thority to the White House on May 26. The President announced his intention to May 19 nominate Charles S. Ciccolella to be Assist- In the morning, the President had an intel- ant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employ- ligence briefing. He then traveled to Mil- ment and Training. waukee, WI. While en route aboard Air The President announced his intention to Force One, he participated in an interview nominate Reuben Jeffery III to be a Com- with Craig Gilbert of the Milwaukee Journal missioner of the Commodity Futures Trad- Sentinel. ing Commission, and to be Chairman of the Later in the morning, upon arrival in Mil- waukee, the President met with USA Free- Commission. dom Corps volunteer Sharon Semrow. Later, The President announced his intention to he met with employees of OnMilwaukee.com nominate James A. Rispoli to be Assistant at their company office. Secretary of Energy, Environmental Man- In the afternoon, the President returned agement. to Washington, DC. The President announced his intention to The White House announced that the nominate Linda Jewell to be Ambassador to President will travel to the United Kingdom Ecuador. to attend the G–8 Summit in Gleneagles, The President announced his intention to Scotland, on July 6–8. nominate John F. Tefft to be Ambassador to Georgia. May 20 The President announced his intention to In the morning, the President had an intel- appoint Daniel H. Stone as a member of the ligence briefing. Later, in the Oval Office, Committee for Purchase From People Who he met with leaders of the Cuban American Are Blind or Severely Disabled. community. The President announced his intention to The White House announced that the appoint the following individuals as members President will welcome Chancellor Gerhard of the President’s Commission on White Schroeder of Germany to the White House House Fellowships: Richard A. Bennett; for a meeting and working lunch on June 27. Terry E. Branstad; Archie W. Dunham; P. The President announced his intention to Robert Fannin; Cathy Gillespie; Anne nominate Tom Luce to be Assistant Sec- Heiligenstein; Carol Jean Jordan; David M. retary of Education (Planning, Evaluation, Roederer; Judy Baar Topinka; and William and Policy Development). L. Webb III. The President announced his intention to nominate Arlene Holen to be a member of

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the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review potentiary of the United States of America Commission. to the Republic of Mali. The President announced his intention to appoint Irma B. Elder as a member of the Victoria Nuland, President’s Commission on White House of Connecticut, a career member of the Sen- Fellowships. ior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Coun- The President announced his intention to selor, to be U.S. Permanent Representative appoint Charles Patrick Garcia and Nancy R. on the Council of the North Atlantic Treaty Kudla as members of the Board of Visitors Organization, with the rank and status of Am- to the U.S. Air Force Academy. bassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. Sandra L. Pack, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, vice Teresa M. Ressel, re- Nominations signed. Submitted to the Senate Daniel R. Stanley, of Kansas, to be an Assistant Secretary of De- The following list does not include promotions of fense, vice Powell A. Moore. members of the Uniformed Services, nominations to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- Paul A. Trivelli, eign Service officers. of Virginia, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- Submitted May 16 potentiary of the United States of America Larry Miles Dinger, to the Republic of Nicaragua. of Iowa, a career member of the Senior For- Ann Louise Wagner, eign Service, class of Counselor, to be Am- of Missouri, to be Ambassador Extraordinary bassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of of the United States of America to the Re- America to Luxembourg. public of the Fiji Islands, and to serve con- currently and without additional compensa- Submitted May 17 tion as Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- potentiary of the United States of America Charles S. Ciccolella, to the Republic of Nauru, the Kingdom of of Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary of Labor Tonga, Tuvalu, and the Republic of Kiribati. for Veterans’ Employment and Training, vice Frederico Juarbe, Jr., resigned. Eric S. Edelman, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Defense Reuben Jeffery III, for Policy, vice Douglas Jay Feith. of the District of Columbia, to be Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commis- Janice B. Gardner, sion, vice James E. Newsome, resigned. of Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary for In- telligence and Analysis (new position). Reuben Jeffery III, of the District of Columbia, to be a Commis- Michael E. Hess, sioner of the Commodity Futures Trading of New York, to be an Assistant Adminis- Commission for a term expiring April 13, trator of the U.S. Agency for International 2007, vice Barbara Pedersen Holum, term Development, vice Roger P. Winter, re- expired. signed. Linda Jewell, Terence Patrick McCulley, of the District of Columbia, a career member of Oregon, a career member of the Senior of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Min- Foreign Service, class of Counselor, to be ister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraor- Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- dinary and Plenipotentiary of the United

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States of America to the Republic of Ecua- Released May 18 dor. Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- James A. Rispoli, retary Scott McClellan of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Advance text of the President’s remarks at Energy (Environmental Management), vice the International Republican Institute dinner Jessie Hill Roberson, resigned. John F. Tefft, Released May 19 of Virginia, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, Transcript of a press gaggle by Deputy Press to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- Secretary Trent Duffy potentiary of the United States of America Statement by the Deputy Press Secretary: to Georgia. President Bush To Attend 2005 Group of Submitted May 19 Eight (G–8) Summit Statement by the Deputy Press Secretary: Edmund S. Hawley, 2005 Comprehensive Report on U.S. Trade of California, to be an Assistant Secretary of and Investment Policy Toward Sub-Saharan Homeland Security, vice David M. Stone, re- Africa and Implementation of the African signed. Growth and Opportunity Act

Released May 20 Checklist Transcript of a press briefing by Deputy of White House Press Releases Press Secretary Trent Duffy Statement by the Deputy Press Secretary: The following list contains releases of the Office President To Welcome German Chancellor of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as Schroeder items nor covered by entries in the Digest of Other White House Announcements. Statement by the Deputy Press Secretary congratulating Honduras on the approval of its Millennium Challenge Account Compact Released May 16 by the Millennium Challenge Corporation Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- Board retary Scott McClellan Fact sheet: Developing Renewable Fuels and Clean Diesel Technologies Released May 17 Acts Approved by the President Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Scott McClellan

Statement by the Press Secretary: Visit by NOTE: No acts approved by the President were Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud received by the Office of the Federal Register Abbas to Washington during the period covered by this issue.

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